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! 👏🏼
Outstanding investigation by @gmpolice into Reynhard Sinaga and his prolific offending. Credit to the detectives, prosecutor and ISVAs who supported these brave male victims #CatchingAPredator
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
Trending
Salford City manager delivers X-rated, fiery and inspiring speech in new behind-the-scenes series
Danny Jones
Salford City FC manager Karl Robinson delivered an extremely passionate and X-rated dressing room speech to his players in a recent clip taken from the club’s new behind-the-scenes series.
The Salford City boss has divided opinion among the supporters during his time in charge at the Peninsula Stadium, but it’s fair to say this no-holds-barred clip will have at least won over a few.
Robinson has been the head coach of The Ammies since January 2024 and missed out on playoff places by just a single point last term, but the Greater Manchester side has made a strong start to the new League Two campaign.
Claiming 16 points from their first eight fixtures, with only Swindon Town and Gillingham having notched more thus far, it seems a fire has been lit under his squad. It would certainly seem to be the case – at least judging by this new footage, anyway…
Looks really good so far lads absolutely love this
What you see above is a snippet from just the second episode of SCFC’s new ‘This Is Salford’ online show, which debuted this season and lifts the lid on City, Robinson, co-owner Gary Neville (who has helped produce the digital series) and more.
Although it’s not quite on the scale of the famous Class of ’92: Out of Their League programme and Full Time spin-off special aired on television over the past decade, the recurring YouTube documentary will chronicle matchdays and much more.
The club have also explained that the digital-only show will also be split into two sub-sections; one is the kind of matchday coverage already shared, with the promise that it will always be released within “36 hours of the final whistle”.
Secondly, there will be This Is Salford: ‘Our Story‘ episodes, which they describe as sharing “a deeper level of storytelling, following players, coaches and club staff on everything from transfers to causes they’re passionate about.” Think Welcome to Wrexham, perhaps.
It just so happens the latest instalment caught the 45-year-old’s fuming rant following comments made by a player on the way back into the dugout.
While some fans have responded by commenting, “I’m pretty sure they didn’t want this kind of changing room” – citing past straight-talking managers who went on to be dismissed – the reception has been largely positive, with another replying: “I love the way Robbo commands the dressing room.”
Speaking via club media this week, Neville teased the series as going further in the amount they intend to reveal compared to the likes of Manchester City’s All Or Nothing or Together: Treble Winners docuseries, for instance.
Admittedly, not everyone has been convinced by the reaction from Robinson captured during their away trip to Notts County back on 9 August, going on to win the game 2-1.
One person accused him of ‘blagging’ and possibly playing up his anger towards the camera, while others have already seen it as evidence backing up why they have performed well thus far. Either way, they were victorious on the night and are currently third in the table.
Neville reiterated that “We need to get this out there as it happens. It needs to be in real time. It’s their Salford, it’s the fans’ Salford, and we want to show it.”
You can watch the episode in full and see what exactly sparked the fiery speech by Karl Robinson on the Salford City YouTube channel down below.
Featured Images — Salford City FC (screenshots via YouTube)
Trending
Didsbury favourite Rustik has confirmed its will sadly be closing this month
Danny Jones
West Didsbury favourite Rustik has sadly announced it will be closing for food after a decade at the end of this month.
The beloved Burton cafe and bar has been a staple of the tight-knit foodie neighbourhood since 2015, but now the independent Irish eatery has confirmed that the business will be shutting down permanently in less than a fortnight.
Confirmed on Wednesday afternoon, 17 September, the casual Manc restaurant and hangout informed their loyal followers of the unfortunate news.
Unsurprisingly, their social media has been awash with condolences, collective sadness and support for the local institution.
Posting across all of their accounts, Rustik wrote: “After an unforgettable 10 years on Burton Road, the time has come to close our doors. It’s hard to believe how far we’ve come — never in a million years did we imagine Rustik would grow into what it became.
“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to every single one of you who walked through our doors and supported us along the way. We poured everything we had — our time, our energy, our lives into making Rustik a space for everyone. And what a ride it’s been.
“From the chaotic, beautiful brunch shifts to late nights dancing on tables to ‘Wagon Wheel’, pushing through the challenges of COVID and helping our community with meals during hard times— we’ve done it all, together.
“To our amazing staff, past and present: thank you for your hard work, your dedication, and the love you brought every single day. You helped build something truly special, and we’ll never be able to thank you enough.
“To the incredible musicians who filled our space with life — keep doing what you do. The noise complaints? 100% worth the unforgettable nights.”
The team go on to detail that the official closing date is Tuesday, 30 September, reiterating that it is “business running as usual until then” and urging fans to “come down, grab your last Rustik fix, and raise a glass with us one final time.”
Signing off with an emotional farewell, they add: “Lastly, a message close to our hearts: please support your local cafes, bars, and independents. Hospitality is tough right now, and they need your support more than ever.
“Thank you for the most incredible decade of our lives. It’s over and out from us.”
It goes without saying that we’re gutted to see Rustik go and know how much it meant not only to the Burton Road community, but also to the Didsbury community, Chorlton and many other Greater Manchester natives.
Emily Sergeant -
7th October 2021 
