22/02/2023
On Monday 20 February 2023, three women reported that they had been sexually assaulted earlier that day in Chadderton, Oldham.
Eric Mwangi (dob: 23/09/1990) of no fixed abode has today (Wednesday 22 February 2023) been charged with three offences in connection with these assaults.
He has been remanded in custody until his next court appearance at Tameside Magistrate Court on Thursday 23 February 2023.
Superintendent Phil Hutchinson of GMP Oldham Division said: “These incidents will have understandably caused concern in the wider community, and I would like to reassure the public that GMP takes reports of this nature very seriously and that the victims continue to be supported by specialist officers.
“I am pleased that the meticulous investigation by officers from Oldham CID and the quick work of dedicated GMP officers have secured a rapid arrest and charge in relation to this case.
“I am however aware of speculation on social media which is circulating incorrect information about this case, in particular speculation that the person responsible resides in Oldham, enquiries suggest this is incorrect. I am therefore appealing to the community to please refrain from speculation online which could potentially jeopardise our investigation.
“The most important thing for all of us in Oldham is the safety of everyone in our communities.
“Our investigation is progressing at pace, and it’s important that anyone with relevant information shares it with the police.
“If you have information about this case, you can report it by calling 0161 856 8891 or 0161 856 8999 quoting incident number 891 of 20.02.2023.
“Alternatively, you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
If you have been affected by the details of this case, remember that support is available.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of rape or sexual assault, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency.
You can also report information and crimes on our website (www.gmp.police.uk) using the ‘report’ tool.
Alternatively, you can report information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
There are also lots of organisations and support agencies available across Greater Manchester that can help and provide support for you.
For more information on rape and serious sexual assault and the support services available to you, please visit our support pages.
Here are a few examples of the support centres who can help:
St. Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre – Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester.
They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages.
Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.
Greater Manchester Rape Crisis – is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives.
Call on 0161 273 4500 or email help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk
Survivors Manchester – provides specialist trauma informed support to male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation.
Call 0161 236 2182.
Kikuyu language
The name Mwangi has its origins in the Kikuyu language, primarily spoken by the Kikuyu people of Kenya. It is interpreted to mean “one who is always moving forward” or “one who progresses”. Additionally, it can also mean “one who is born in the morning” or “early riser,” symbolizing vigor and vitality. The name is derived from the word “mwana,” meaning “child” or “son,” and holds significant cultural importance among the Kikuyu. Overall, Mwangi reflects themes of growth, progress, and vitality within Kikuyu culture.
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Oldham: Man committed three sexual assaults in 30 minutes
30th October 2023
A man who committed three sexual assaults in a 30-minute span in Oldham earlier this year has been jailed.
Eric Mwangi, of no fixed abode, appeared at Minshull Street Crown Court on October 23, to be sentenced for three counts of sexual assault and one count of theft by finding.
The 33-year-old was found guilty of the three sexual assaults following a trial in July and August, and pleaded guilty to a theft in Manchester on August 23.
During the trial of the three sexual assaults, the court heard that on the morning of February 20 this year, Mwangi was travelling on the Metrolink in Oldham.
The first offence took place at the Freehold tram stop at around 9.50am, when Mwangi jumped off the tram after it stopped, grabbing a woman by the backside with such force that it caused her pain, before he jumped back on and continued drinking vodka.
During the trial, the jury were shown CCTV footage of the incident, as well as CCTV footage of the second incident.
This occurred minutes after the first, when Mwangi got off the tram at the Hollinwood stop and went to the nearby Morrisons supermarket.
There, Mwangi followed a woman who was leaving the shop with a trolley before he bent down and “reached under her crotch”, before the victim ran off.
Mwangi’s third sexual assault took place at around 10.15am that morning when he boarded a bus in Chadderton and sat behind a mother and her daughter.
Mwangi asked the mother for some water and after she refused, he told her that her daughter was beautiful while he tapped the teenage girl’s foot with his own.
Mwangi was said to have asked the girl if she wanted to be his girlfriend before the mother and daughter departed the bus, with the former taking a picture of Mwangi, who was arrested a short time after.
During the trial, Mwangi represented himself, and told the jury he was spiked on the night of February 18 and could not remember anything between then and his arrest on February 21.
Mwangi, who was convicted of a sexual assault in 2017, also told the jury he had been threatened by individuals associated with the military and government.
Mwangi was convicted of the three sexual assaults in early August, weeks before he pleaded guilty to the theft.
On Monday, Recorder Michael Duck sentenced Mwangi to three years in prison for his offending.
https://www.theoldhamtimes.co.uk/news/23879321.oldham-man-committed-three-sexual-assaults-30-minutes