MICHAEL DISLEY FROM WIGAN SENTENCED TO OVER FIVE YEARS FOR RAPE IN LAST-MINUTE PLEA

In a significant development in the criminal case originating from Wigan, Michael Disley, aged 29 and residing on Scot Lane, Newtown, has been sentenced to a prison term exceeding five years following a dramatic turn in court proceedings. The charges stemmed from an incident in 2022, where Disley was accused of raping a woman over the age of 16 on November 23 of that year.

Initially, Disley faced serious allegations of both rape and sexual assault. He entered a plea of not guilty to both charges, which led to a series of legal proceedings. During this period, he absconded from court, prompting authorities to launch a manhunt to locate him. Once apprehended, Disley was brought back before a judge to face trial.

As the trial date approached, the defendant made a surprising decision. Just moments before the proceedings were set to commence, Disley changed his plea from not guilty to guilty on the charge of rape. This sudden shift resulted in the court dropping the sexual assault charge, focusing solely on the rape allegation.

Following this plea change, the court sentenced Disley to a term of five years and one month in prison. In addition to his custodial sentence, the court also issued a 15-year restraining order, which explicitly prohibits him from making any contact with the victim. This order aims to protect the victim from further harm or intimidation.

The case underscores the profound impact that delays and evasive tactics can have on victims seeking justice. It also highlights the serious consequences faced by individuals who attempt to evade accountability for their actions, especially in cases involving sexual violence. The sentencing serves as a reminder of the importance of timely justice and the ongoing efforts to combat sexual crimes within communities like Wigan.