2017: SEXUAL OFFENDER, JASON MANNION, 'BETRAYED FRIEND'S TRUST' BY ASSAULTING HER IN HER FARNWORTH HOME
A man who sexually assaulted a friend while she was sleeping has received a prison sentence of over four years.The court was informed that the 21-year-old betrayed the trust of the victim by abusing her in her own home during November 2015.
Since the incident, she has felt compelled to leave both her residence and her employment due to the traumatic experience.
After a night out with friends, the woman and her partner hosted Mannion at their Farnworth home.
The following morning, she awoke to find him attacking her as she rested in the living room.
In sentencing Mannion, who resides on Harrowby Street, Farnworth, Recorder Peter Atherton stated: “Her partner believed it was safe to leave her in your company, and she also trusted that she was safe with you.
“Neither of them would have expected an assault of this nature or any other.
She exhibited no signs of attraction or desire towards you.
You treated her as an object rather than as a person.
You violated her dignity and broke her and her partner’s trust.” The court also learned that Mannion's difficult childhood and interrupted education may have contributed to his poor judgment, according to the judge.
Recorder Atherton commented: “From her testimony, it’s evident that you caused her ongoing distress, which persisted throughout that day.
Her recent written statement indicates that your actions continue to affect her and her partner today.” He further remarked: “These effects are significant and should not be taken lightly.
The impact on her future relationships remains uncertain.
She is attempting to draw a line and move forward.” Mannion was additionally ordered to pay a statutory surcharge.
He will serve half of his prison term in custody and the rest on licence.
