Viewers have been reacting after the documentary featuring exclusive access to the policing team responsible for the successful conviction of serial rapist Reynhard Sinaga aired on BBC2 last night.
Catching a Predator tells the inside story of Greater Manchester Police’s (GMP) ‘Operation Island’ – which culminated in the largest prosecution of its kind in the country’s legal history, where the UK’s most-prolific rapist Reynhard Sinaga was sentenced to 40 years in jail.
Sinaga was found guilty of committing 159 counts of sexual offences against 48 different men in Manchester.
Twitter was filled with reactions to the “harrowing” watch during and after it aired.
“What a harrowing and emotional documentary. I could see his flat from my uni halls bedroom. So utterly sickening what was happening on the road below that window. Such brave survivors and dedicated officers. Heartbreaking,” one tweet read.
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Another said: “That was a disturbing watch.”
I thought BBC2's documentary on Reynhard Sinaga was very good. Incredibly difficult watch but necessary. There really hasn't been enough acknowledgement of the sheer enormity & horror of what happened. So much respect to all the interviewees #CatchingAPredator
“I am in shock. A real life horror story. So many poor men who were assaulted and had to find out from the police.. heartbreaking. Recommend you watch – in a time we highlight men being violent it’s important to realise that men get raped too,” a third added.
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Another shocked Twitter user reacted: “This was harrowing – after the last few weeks these police and CPS were amazing and I hope they are being supported too. Brave victims to support the prosecution.”
“One of the most disturbing things I’ve ever watched – but well documented and an important message,” another reaction.
#Catchingapredator was a very hard but also such an eye opening watch, an unbelievable real life horror story 😞 Nothing can take away the fact though that Daniel, is one of the bravest men ever, what a true inspiration he is! 👏🏼
155 reports were received following a public appeal launched in January 2020 following the last of Sinaga’s four trials at Manchester Crown Court.
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23 of the 155 were confirmed as potential victims of Sinaga.
Of the 23 identified, 12 were previously recorded by the investigation as ‘unidentified victims’, and no further charges will be brought in respect of 23 further victims, as those concerned do not wish to support a prosecution and are satisfied with the convictions and sentence already secured.
The total number of male victims of Sinaga is believed to be 206, and Greater Manchester Police still believe that around 60 victims remain unidentified.
Greater Manchester Police also took to Twitter with a statement after the documentary aired.
A message regarding support services following broadcast of BBC documentary 'Catching a Predator'. Direct link to the Major Incident Public Portal is available here https://t.co/rmkIh9aOWWpic.twitter.com/uITu8vk0OY
GMP are continuing to urge people who believe they may have been a victim of Sinaga to come forward and, following the broadcast of the documentary, have reissued details on how to contact police and access support services.
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All reports made to police will be fully investigated, and information can be passed to police via the Major Incident Public Portal here.
“We are continuing to work together to support anyone else targeted by Reynhard Sinaga, and I would ask anyone who thinks they have been attacked by him to come forward,” said Detective Inspector Zed Ali, who is leading the investigation.
“You might not be completely sure what happened, or how to talk about it – but there is help available.”
Sinaga was found guilty of committing 159 counts of sexual offences against 48 different men in Manchester / Credit: Greater Manchester Police
If you missed it, you can watch Catching a Predator on BBC iPlayer here.
Featured Image – Greater Manchester Police
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Academy graduate Oscar Bobb is leaving Manchester City on a permanent transfer
Danny Jones
Manchester City youth academy graduate Oscar Bobb is leaving the club after sealing a move to Fulham FC.
Despite plenty of loan interest throughout the January transfer window, the Man City attacker has secured a switch to the in-form West London team on a permanent basis.
Bobb looked increasingly likely to leave in some capacity following the arrival of another winger in the form of instant hit, Antoine Semenyo, but it now looks as though his departure is all but confirmed, bar an imminent official announcement.
As reported by Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the agreement has now been reached between the two clubs pending a full medical today (Thursday, 29 January).
According to Romano, Fulham will pay Man City approximately £27 million for Bobb’s services, who becomes the latest addition in what has already been a fairly busy period of recruitment.
He goes on to add that “City also mantain [a] 20% sell-on clause, matching rights and future control on the player based on his decision.”
There is no suggestion of a buy-back clause at this time, but given his age and having already made a fair few appearances for Pep Guardiola‘s first team, it wouldn’t be beyond the realms of possibility to see him return to the club one day.
Bobb also arrives at Craven Cottage following the exit of multiple wingers and offensive options, including Adama Traore, ex-Man United product Andreas Pereira and Arsenal youngster, Reiss Nelson, whose loan deal has expired and has signed another temporary deal at local rivals, Brentford.
Had it not been for that injury I know he would’ve been class for City for a long time, and let’s not forget that goal v Newcastle pic.twitter.com/inGxi5UjPM
The young Norwegian winger joined the Etihad Campus back in 2023 and went on to contribute a handful of goals and assists, despite limited appearances and some very unfortunate injury issues.
Only seven months ago, his soon-to-be former parent club released a short video charting his return from the sidelines after fracturing his leg – a setback which kept him out for roughly five months.
Plenty of fans have quickly placed him in the so-called ‘what if?’ category of players, and given that he’s still just 22 years old and has already impressed on a number of ocassions for such a big club, we wouldn’t be surprised if he goes on to have a very exciting career.
Can you see the Blues bringing in or letting anyone else go before deadline day?
McDonald’s is set to axe 80% of its vegan and vegetarian options in the UK
Emily Sergeant
McDonald’s is set to remove nearly all of its vegan and vegetarian options from the UK menu, according to reports.
We may be in what is known to some as Veganuary, but one of the world’s leading fast food chains has reportedly made the decision to drastically cut back on the selection of plant-based and meat-free options on its UK menu, appearing to align with the trends that show a decline in veganism overall.
McDonald’s is known for offering those who choose not to eat meat a choice of different options – from its Veggie Dippers to the popular McPlant burger.
But from the start of next month, only one options is apparently set to remain on the menu.
In a decision that seems to already be making fans on social media ‘furious’, McDonald’s has revealed that it will stop selling Veggie Dippers, Veggie Dipper Happy Meals, Spicy Veggie Wraps, and Vegetable Deluxe sandwiches.
McDonald’s is set to axe 80% of its vegan and vegetarian options in the UK / Credit: McDonald’s UK
All that remains will be the vegan McPlant Burger – which McDonald’s says still remains popular with steady sales.
According to reports in various outlets like the Daily Mail and Sky News, McDonald’s says it had reviewed feedback and sales data in order to make the decision.
A spokesperson for McDonald’s UK told the Daily Mail: “We’re always listening to our customers to help inform and evolve our menu. After reviewing feedback, alongside the sales data of our Veggie Dippers, it’s clear this product does not match the appeal of McPlant for our vegetarian customers.
“That’s why we’ve made the decision to remove them from the menu, as we focus on developing better vegetarian options that meet our high standards.
The fast food chain has released a statement as to why it is reducing options / Credit: Road Ahead (via Unsplash)
“While McPlant remains a firm fan favourite and will continue to be the go-to choice for our vegetarian and vegan customers, we recognise these changes may be disappointing for some.”
If this statement is anything to go by though, it does appear that the McPlant won’t stay the only vegan option on the menu forever, as the fast food chain has indicated that it is looking at introduction others in the future.
“We are actively learning from other markets to understand which vegetarian and vegan options are proving most popular and exploring exciting new offerings that we know customers will love,” the spokesperson’s statement concluded.
The Veggie Dippers, Veggie Dipper Happy Meals, Spicy Veggie Wraps, and Vegetable Deluxe sandwiches will be removed from the McDonald’s menu in the UK on 3 February.
Emily Sergeant -
7th October 2021 
