Man jailed for knifepoint rape

Yeldirim held a 10-inch knife to his victim's throat

A man has been given three life sentences for the knifepoint rape of a teenager in a Greater Manchester park.

Aytekin Yildirim was jailed on Friday, after earlier pleading guilty to raping the 17-year-old victim in broad daylight in February this year.

Yildirim, 19, of Embsay Close, Astley Bridge, Bolton, admitted two charges of rape, one count of robbery, and one count of possessing a knife when he appeared at Manchester Crown Court.

As he sentenced him, the judge recommended Yildirim should serve a minimum of 16 years before being considered for parole.

After the sentences were handed down Yildirim's victim said she thought she might die when she was attacked as she walked her dog at Moses Gate Country Park, Bolton, on 25 February.

"I was horrified and scared for my life at the time but I'm getting my life back together now and I want to be left alone to try and get back to normal," she said.

I cannot emphasise enough the bravery [the victim] has shown throughout this investigation Detective Inspector Andy Aston

The court heard Yildirim followed her through the park and waited until she walked down a wooded path before he put a 10-inch knife to her throat.

He then dragged her into some bushes and forced her to strip naked before he raped her and stole her jewellery.

The victim had to run through the River Croal to escape Yildirim, before she was helped by two women walking in the park who called the police.

Detective Inspector Andy Aston from Bolton CID said: "This was a terrifying attack in broad daylight.

"She [then] worked very hard to help officers compile a detailed description and e-fit of the man responsible.

"I cannot emphasise enough the bravery she has shown throughout this investigation.

"I can only hope the victim can now begin to look to the future and start to rebuild her life".

Yildirim was given a life sentence for each rape, a life sentence for robbery and two years for possession of the knife.