Marley Murray, 19, of Cotefield Road, Manchester, has been sentenced to six years in prison at Manchester Crown Court on Friday (July 31). He was convicted of rape, threats to kill, and three counts of common assault.
Victim's bravery praised
The victim, a 16-year-old girl, bravely came forward to report the crimes. Murray had threatened to kill her while holding a knife and physically assaulted her, causing visible injuries. He also raped her, ignoring her repeated refusals.
In a statement shared with the court, the victim said: "Every time I would go to sleep, I would have flash backs of everything the moment I close my eyes. I always think the worst in a situation because of the trauma he’s put me through. I now am trying to rebuild my life."
Police urge others to report
Greater Manchester Police praised the victim for her bravery and urged other victims to report similar incidents. Detective Superintendent Richard Hunt from Rochdale Police said: "It is crucial to acknowledge the bravery and resilience demonstrated by the survivor in this case. Her courage in coming forward and supporting the investigation has been instrumental in securing justice and ensuring the safety of others."
He added: "Operation Soteria underscores the importance of victim-focused approaches and collaborative efforts between police, the Crown Prosecution Service, and support services to enhance the criminal justice response to such heinous crimes. The survivor's bravery not only highlights the personal strength required to confront such trauma but also serves as a beacon of hope and empowerment for other victims. It is through initiatives like Operation Soteria that we strive to create a more supportive and responsive environment for survivors, ensuring their voices are heard and their experiences validated. I urge anyone who might have experienced anything similar to please come forward and report. You will always be listened to and supported."
Sentence details
Murray was also handed a 10-year restraining order and has been placed on the sex offenders' register.
