“I can finally start to live again”: Survivor speaks out as Tameside man jailed for rape

A woman says she can “finally start to live again” after her attacker was jailed for seven years following a long and harrowing fight for justice.

Andre Reid, 26, of Woodside Street, Tameside, was sentenced at Manchester Crown Court on Friday 5 December 2025 after being found guilty of rape. A restraining order has also been imposed, preventing him from having any contact with the victim.

The woman, who has chosen to remain anonymous, bravely stood before the court to read her own victim impact statement - a moment she described as reclaiming the voice that had been taken from her for seven years.

“For the last seven years, my voice has been taken from me,” she told the court. “I have carried the weight of what you did in silence. You need to hear the impact of your choices in my own words, in my own voice… You cannot take my ability to stand here and speak my truth to you.”

She described the toll of the assault, which occurred in June 2018, and the long journey to justice. She ended her statement with a powerful declaration:

“I survived you, Andre. I am free from your control, free from your lies, free from the shame that never belonged to me. I can finally start to live again, and that's something you will never be able to take away from me ever again.”

Detective Sergeant John Dineen of GMP’s Rochdale district paid tribute to the woman’s strength in coming forward and seeing the case through.

“This was a devastating assault on a victim which occurred when she was at her most vulnerable – asleep in a bed,” he said. “She showed immense bravery to report Reid’s offending and to continue through the trial process.

“To stand up in court and face him despite everything she has been through should be commended, and I hope the sentence he has received will bring her some comfort and closure.”

DS Dineen confirmed that detectives carried out a full investigation involving multiple witnesses, and that the woman was supported throughout the judicial process.

“We want this to be a message to everyone: if you are a victim, please come forward and report offenders to us. We will support you with care and consideration to ensure the case is thoroughly investigated and perpetrators can be brought to justice.”

Greater Manchester Police can be contacted via 101 or through the Live Chat function on their website. Anonymous reports can also be made through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police and specialist agencies are urging anyone affected by rape or sexual assault to seek support:

• Saint Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester – 24-hour forensic, practical and emotional support for men, women and children. Call 0161 276 6515.
• Greater Manchester Rape Crisis – confidential support and counselling for women over 18. Call 0161 273 4500 or email help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk.
• Survivors Manchester – specialist trauma-informed support for male survivors. Call 0161 236 2182.