Amanda Johnson and Hannah Forsyth successfully prosecute man for multiple sexual offences

April 6, 2023

Amanda Johnson and Hannah Forsyth from Exchange Chambers successfully prosecuted a man for prolonged sexual offending against multiple women.

Andrew Ellison was convicted of 28 offences after a five-week trial at Minshull Street Crown Court earlier this year, including six offences of rape against three different women.

The 45-year-old has been sentenced to 24 years in prison plus a four-year extended licence period for violent and sexual offences against five women spanning over 25 years.

Ellison’s offending came to light when one woman reported offences against him which led to other survivors coming forward. One of the women said in her victim impact statement: “I’m still hyper vigilant just walking down the street. It’s that constant fear of not knowing what’s coming.” The second woman said: “I still need medication for my mental health.” The third woman said: “I wake most nights with night terrors and struggle to sleep.”

Ellison denied all the offences but was found guilty following a lengthy trial in January and February this year.

Kirsty Walls, Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West’s Rape and Serious Sexual Offence Unit said: “Ellison is a prolific sex offender and a danger to women. He sought sexual gratification from having power and control over his victims and he hasn’t displayed any remorse for what he has put them through.”

The prosecution case involved over the evidence of over 60 individual witnesses, video and audio recordings, telephone evidence, medical and documentary evidence.