GUILTY: Predatory sex offender who smirked as he sexually assaulted young women

A predatory sex offender who targeted students in a secluded Manchester underpass has been found guilty of twelve sexual offences – following a successful prosecution by the Crown Prosecution Service.

Robert Emmerson, 40, claimed he had been mistakenly identified as the perpetrator, but following a trial at Manchester Crown Court, he was found guilty of seven counts of exposure and five counts of sexual assault.

Alex Mann, Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West, said: “Emmerson is a sexual predator who targeted women and girls in broad daylight.

“His depraved actions were carried out solely for his own sexual gratification and have had a severe impact on those he attacked.

“Emmerson showed no remorse, denying the offences and putting victims through the further trauma of having to relive their ordeal when giving evidence against him at a trial.

“I would like to thank the young women for reporting Emmerson and helping the Crown Prosecution Service and Greater Manchester Police to bring him to justice."

Between October 2023 and April 2024, Emmerson committed 12 offences against 10 women and girls, the youngest of whom was 13 years old.

Most of the offences were committed in the underpass which runs under the Mancunian Way in Manchester, where he lay in wait for the young women to pass.

Emmerson exposed his genitals, masturbated, and chased the young women, several were grabbed, wrestled to the ground and sexually assaulted.

The women described being: “shocked” and “terrified” by their ordeal and some said he was smiling during the incidents.

The Crown Prosecution Service worked with Greater Manchester Police to build a strong case to put before the jury, including eyewitness testimony, CCTV footage, data from Emmerson’s travel pass and cell site evidence showing the location of Emmerson’s phone during the attacks.

On 23 October 2024, Emmerson was found guilty of all 12 offences. He will be sentenced on 18 November 2024.