Ryan Schofield (30/11/1990) of Whiteacre Road, Ashton-under-Lyne, was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 13 years at Bolton Crown Court on Thursday, 3 April 2025, after pleading guilty to making threats to kill, assault, rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, and false imprisonment.
The court was informed that Ryan Schofield utilised the internet to befriend his victim, exhibited controlling conduct, and perpetrated severe physical and sexual abuse.
Ryan Schofield was initially apprehended for violating his Sexual Harm Prevention Order; however, authorities discovered evidence on his phone indicating that he had assaulted his victim.
From March to October 2022, Ryan Schofield inflicted multiple instances of controlling and coercive behaviour, abuse, rape, and false imprisonment onto his victim.
In the year ending May 2024, the number of rape results increased from 209 to 426 compared to the year ending May 2021, but domestic abuse offences decreased by 13.7% from the year ending May 2023.
Detective Constable Chris Doran, of our Tameside Challenger Team, said: “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.
“Greater Manchester Police take domestic violence and sexual offences very seriously and I would like to highlight this case as an example of this. If you are a victim of domestic or sexual offences you will be heard.
“Today’s sentencing is testament to our investigation team in providing the good work bringing Ryan Schofield to justice.”
If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.
Greater Manchester Police can be contacted via 101 or through the Live Chat function on the website, www.gmp.police.uk. Reports can also be made anonymously through the independent charity – Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
For more information and to find the support services available to you, please visit our support pages.
We understand how tough it can be to come forward and report domestic abuse, but we would encourage anyone who is currently suffering in silence to reach out.
To start a report, visit www.gmp.police.uk and click on the blue ‘Live Chat’ icon.
A domestic abuse survivor has encouraged other victims and survivors to report their experiences via Live Chat.
How to get help
- Saint 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
- We Are 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.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.