ROBERT EMMERSON FROM WYTHENSHAWE JAILED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS IN MANCHESTER CITY CENTRE

A man described by authorities as a 'depraved predator' has been sentenced to prison after a series of disturbing sexual offenses committed in Manchester city centre. Robert Emmerson, a 40-year-old resident of Wythenshawe, was found guilty of multiple heinous acts that included exposing himself, chasing, and sexually assaulting women and schoolgirls in broad daylight, specifically targeting vulnerable victims in public spaces.

The Manchester Crown Court heard that Emmerson, who was already a convicted sex offender, carried out these attacks between 2023 and 2024. His criminal record did not deter him from continuing his pattern of predatory behavior, which culminated in his conviction on five counts of sexual assault and seven counts of indecent exposure. The court's decision resulted in a sentence of four years and six months behind bars for his crimes.

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Tamsyn Muller provided insight into the impact of Emmerson’s actions on his victims. She stated that many of the women and girls involved believed that Emmerson was capable of more severe violence, including rape or murder, which underscores the terrifying nature of his predatory tactics. The victims, some as young as 13, were targeted in various locations across Manchester, including an underpass on Cambridge Street beneath the Mancunian Way, a known hotspot for such incidents.

In addition to the assaults in the city centre, Emmerson was convicted of attacking two girls aged 13 and 16 in the Wythenshawe and Baguley areas. The court revealed that he would approach his victims, often grabbing them in a bear hug-style grip, then forcing them to the ground and groping them over their clothing. His brazen approach involved attacking women during daylight hours, seemingly unconcerned about witnesses or passersby who might intervene or observe his crimes.

Detective Muller emphasized the long-lasting psychological trauma inflicted upon the victims. She explained that many continue to experience fear and anxiety, feeling unable to relax in public spaces and constantly looking over their shoulders, haunted by the memories of their assaults.

Surveillance footage played a crucial role in the investigation. It showed Emmerson arriving in Manchester city centre by bus from Wythenshawe after committing his attacks. Following the assaults, he was observed walking around the city before boarding a bus back to Wythenshawe. The police organized an identity parade, during which five victims identified him as their attacker. A subsequent search of his home uncovered the coat he wore during the assaults and linked him to the crimes through police records, which also indicated a prior arrest in 2015.

During questioning, Emmerson displayed a dismissive attitude, wearing a T-shirt with the words 'nope, not today' and refusing to cooperate, answering 'no comment' to questions. He also attempted to intimidate Detective Muller by staring at her during the interview. Her description of him as 'a dangerous sexual predator who had no regard for women' underscores the severity of his actions and the threat he posed to the community.

Overall, Emmerson’s case highlights the ongoing dangers posed by repeat offenders and the importance of vigilant law enforcement in protecting the public from such predatory individuals.