Paul Sharpe, a 56-year-old convicted murderer, has pleaded guilty to kidnapping a 15-year-old girl at knifepoint and holding her hostage in his car for eight hours, during which he sexually assaulted her. The ordeal ended when police discovered them in a hotel car park in Knutsford in the early hours of May 19, 2026.
Details of the Abduction
Sharpe, from Portwood, Stockport, forced the victim into his vehicle on Bradgate Road in Altrincham at approximately 7:30pm on May 18. He threatened her with a knife, placed her in a headlock, and dragged her into the car. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) stated that Sharpe bound her wrists and feet with a necktie and carried out a sex act in her presence.
Eight-Hour Ordeal
During the captivity, Sharpe drove the girl to a car park at the airport and later moved between different car parks. He compelled her to consume alcohol and sexually assaulted her. The nightmare concluded only when officers detained Sharpe, approximately eight hours after the abduction. The victim's mother had reported her disappearance, and CCTV investigations enabled detectives to trace his vehicle.
Charges and Guilty Plea
At Minshull Street Crown Court on July 3, Sharpe admitted guilt to six charges: abduction, sexual assault, sexual activity in the presence of a child, making threats with a bladed article, committing an offence with intent to commit a sexual offence, and administering a noxious substance with intent to injure, aggrieve or annoy. The CPS described the incident as a "protracted" and "terrifying" ordeal.
Prosecutor's Statement
Senior prosecutor for the CPS Hannah Gee said: "Paul Sharpe, a convicted murderer, kidnapped an innocent girl at knifepoint in broad daylight. In this terrifying incident, the victim was held captive for eight hours while Sharpe forced her to drink alcohol and sexually assaulted her. Sharpe gave no thought to the impact his actions, for his own depraved reasons, would have on his victim. Although his guilty pleas today have spared her from the ordeal of a trial, I would like to thank the girl, and her family, for supporting this prosecution and ensuring this dangerous offender is back where he belongs."
Sentencing
Sharpe will receive his sentence at the same court on September 4.
