A cruel sexual predator who callously laughed during a brutal attack on a vulnerable woman has been locked up for 13 years in a case that has shocked Greater Manchester.
Michael Sherry, 33, subjected his victim to a terrifying ordeal in her own home, showing complete disregard for her suffering throughout the violent assault.
The Night of Terror
The court heard how Sherry launched his vicious attack after gaining entry to the woman's property. Throughout the prolonged assault, the depraved attacker actually laughed at his victim's distress, adding psychological torment to the physical violence.
His victim later described the haunting sound of his laughter during her police interview, stating it would stay with her forever.
Justice Served at Manchester Crown Court
At Manchester Crown Court, Sherry was found guilty of rape and sexual assault following a trial where the full extent of his brutality was revealed.
Judge Sarah Johnston handed down a 13-year prison sentence, telling Sherry: "You showed utter contempt for your victim's humanity. Your behaviour was sadistic and calculated to cause maximum fear and degradation."
Impact on the Victim
In a powerful victim impact statement read to the court, the woman described how the attack had destroyed her sense of safety and left her suffering from severe trauma.
"I cannot sleep in my own home anymore. Every noise makes me jump. That laugh... it echoes in my mind when I try to sleep," she told the court.
Police Praise Victim's Courage
Detective Inspector Sarah Hall of Greater Manchester Police praised the victim's incredible bravery in coming forward and seeing the case through to conviction.
"This was a horrific attack on a vulnerable woman by a predator who showed no remorse. The victim has shown extraordinary courage throughout this investigation, and I hope this sentence brings some sense of justice," Hall stated.
Sherry was also placed on the sex offenders register for life and given an indefinite restraining order preventing contact with his victim.
