A serving firefighter who subjected a woman to a horrific sexual assault after meeting her on a night out has been jailed for 13 years, despite his bizarre attempt to blame a supposed 'holiday curse'.
The Night That Turned to Terror
Oliver Mason, 26, appeared at Manchester Crown Court where details of his brutal attack emerged. The court heard how Mason had met his victim during a night out in Manchester city centre, presenting himself as a charming and trustworthy public servant.
After socialising together, Mason accompanied the woman back to her accommodation where his behaviour turned violently aggressive without warning.
Bizarre 'Holiday Curse' Defence
In a desperate attempt to evade responsibility, Mason claimed he was under the influence of a supposed 'holiday curse' from a recent trip to Ibiza. The firefighter told investigators this curse caused him to experience blackouts and behave completely out of character.
However, medical experts thoroughly examined Mason and found no evidence supporting his supernatural claims. Prosecutors described the defence as a calculated attempt to manipulate the justice system.
Violent Pattern Exposed
The court heard disturbing details of Mason's attack, during which he:
- Ignored the victim's repeated pleas to stop
- Used significant physical force during the assault
- Left the woman with both physical and psychological trauma
Detective Constable Sarah Wilkinson of Greater Manchester Police stated: "This was a horrific attack by a man who the victim believed she could trust. Mason callously tried to evade responsibility through fabricated stories, but the evidence against him was overwhelming."
Justice Served
Judge Nicholas Dean KC sentenced Mason to 13 years in prison, emphasizing the severity of the crime and Mason's attempt to deceive the court. The judge noted that Mason's position as a firefighter made his breach of trust particularly egregious.
Mason will remain on the sex offenders register indefinitely and is subject to a restraining order protecting his victim.
