STUART THOMSON, THE DANGEROUS SEXUAL PREDATOR FROM MANCHESTER, TARGETS FOUR WOMEN IN BRUTAL KNIFE ATTACKS

A man described by authorities as a "dangerous sexual predator" with a deep-seated animosity towards women carried out a series of violent assaults on four women in Manchester city centre during a single night, leaving a trail of trauma and fear. The incident, which unfolded in the early hours of 31 January 2024, saw Stuart Thomson, aged 34 and hailing from Stockport, approach and attack four women involved in sex work, in a calculated and ruthless manner.

According to reports from Greater Manchester Police (GMP), Thomson lured the women into secluded areas within Manchester, specifically near Mancunian Way, where he launched his assault. Three of these women were raped by Thomson, who used a knife to threaten and intimidate them during the attacks. The fourth woman narrowly escaped an attempted rape, with Thomson's violent threats thwarting his intentions. The severity of his actions was underscored by the fact that all these assaults occurred within a span of just five hours, highlighting the rapid and relentless nature of his violence.

Thomson’s criminal conduct did not stop at sexual assault. He was also convicted at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court of making threats with a bladed weapon on three separate occasions, as well as possessing such a weapon unlawfully. The court heard that Thomson’s motives appeared rooted in a disturbing hatred for women, which he targeted with a calculated belief that his victims would not report the crimes or that their claims would not be believed. This malicious intent was evident in the judge’s remarks during sentencing.

Judge Hilary Manley sentenced Thomson to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 18 years before he could be considered for parole. In her judgment, she emphasized that Thomson’s choice of victims was driven by a wrongful assumption that they would remain silent and that their accounts would be dismissed. The judge’s decision reflects the gravity of Thomson’s actions and the threat he posed to the community.

Det Sgt Jennifer Savazzi, who led the investigation, expressed her concern that Thomson’s violent spree might not have been an isolated incident. She stated that all the offences occurred within a brief five-hour window and described Thomson’s approach as both violent and callous, showing no regard for the suffering he inflicted on his victims. She urged any other women who might have encountered Thomson or been affected by his actions to come forward, asserting her belief that there are likely more victims who have yet to be identified.

During the investigation, the women involved, all of whom were sex workers, were approached by Thomson under the guise of seeking business. After engaging with them, he lured them to secluded locations where he threatened them with a knife and demanded sex. Despite his arrest, Thomson remained silent during police interviews, displaying an attitude that suggested he believed he had nothing to fear, according to Det Sgt Savazzi. The case underscores the dangers faced by vulnerable women and the importance of vigilance and reporting in combating such violent offenders.