RYAN SCHOFIELD SENTENCED FOR SEVERE ABUSE IN BOLTON AND ASHTON-UNDER-LYNE

Ryan Schofield, born on November 30, 1990, and residing on Whiteacre Road in Ashton-under-Lyne, has been handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 13 years at Bolton Crown Court. The sentencing took place on Thursday, April 3, 2025, following his guilty plea to multiple serious charges, including making threats to kill, assault, rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, and false imprisonment.

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Schofield had used the internet as a tool to establish a relationship with his victim, which he then exploited to exert control and inflict harm. The court heard that his conduct was not only manipulative but also physically and sexually abusive, causing significant trauma to the victim. The authorities initially detained Schofield for breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, but further investigations uncovered evidence on his mobile device that confirmed his involvement in assaulting the victim.

The timeline of his abusive actions spans from March to October 2022, during which he subjected his victim to repeated episodes of coercive control, physical violence, sexual assault, and confinement. These actions were characterized by a pattern of escalating abuse, deeply impacting the victim’s well-being and safety.

In a broader context, statistics for the year ending May 2024 show a concerning rise in reported rapes, increasing from 209 cases in the previous year to 426. Conversely, domestic abuse offences have seen a decline of 13.7% compared to the year ending May 2023, indicating some shifts in reporting or enforcement patterns.

Detective Constable Chris Doran, a member of the Tameside Challenger Team, expressed his support for the victim’s bravery, stating, “Firstly, I would like to commend the bravery of the victim in this case. I cannot begin to imagine her pain and suffering but hope she finds solace in the sentence this monster was handed today.” He emphasized the seriousness with which Greater Manchester Police treat domestic violence and sexual offences, highlighting this case as an example of their commitment to justice. Doran added, “If you are a victim of domestic or sexual offences, you will be heard.”

He concluded by acknowledging the diligent work of the investigation team in bringing Ryan Schofield to justice, underscoring the importance of persistent law enforcement efforts in tackling such heinous crimes.