Man sentenced to life imprisonment following a campaign of abuse against a woman

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 today (Thursday 3 April 2025) after pleading guilty to making threats to kill, assault, rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and false imprisonment.

The court heard how Schofield went online and befriended his victim, used controlling behaviour and engaged in horrific physical and sexual abuse.

Earlier today, a domestic abuse survivor encouraged other victims and survivors to report their experiences via Live Chat on the Greater Manchester Police website.  

Schofield was originally arrested for being in breach of his Sexual Harm Prevention Order, but officers found evidence on his phone of him abusing his victim.

Between March and October 2022, Schofield subjected his victim to several incidents of controlling and coercive behaviour, assault, rape and false imprisonment.

We doubled the number of rape outcomes in the year ending May 2024 compared to year ending May 2021 (209 to 426) and domestic abuse offences are down 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 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.