"I feel worthless and guilty" says rape victim from Glossop

A rape victim from Glossop has said she still has “depression and anxiety” because of the incident and continues to “feel worthless and guilty”. 

Dane Oldham of Glossop was found guilty of rape earlier this month at Manchester Crown Court and has received a six-year sentence with a minimum term of four years. 

The court heard how on the evening of Saturday, June 2, 2018, Oldham, who was 27 at the time, was in a nightclub in Glossop where he met the victim.

The victim then felt unwell and went back to Oldham's property where the incident happened.

Soon after arriving at the property, the victim told the police she remembered falling asleep but then waking up naked with Oldham on top of her. She shouted "get off me" and rang a friend to order her a taxi, meeting her pal at the then Crown Pub in Glossop. 

The victim has received counselling for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and has been on medication for anxiety and depression following the attack. She added: “I have had nightmares, flashbacks, from the time it happened. I will wake up with cold sweats, panic attacks, punching, kicking out in my sleep.” 

She also said that the attack has impacted relationships: “I have struggled with relationships, trusting people. All my relationships since it happened have broken down and not lasted, apart from my current one.”

Detective Constable Ellen Fox, who led the investigation, said: “Oldham’s despicable attack on this woman has had a devastating and long-lasting impact on her and will continue to affect her for the rest of her life.

“He then denied ever committing the offence forcing the woman to prepare herself for having to give evidence in court before finally admitting what he had done at the last minute.

“I’d like to praise the woman’s bravery in coming forward to report this matter. Her courage in telling police what happened to her ensured we were able to bring him to justice for his crime.

“I hope that she can now begin to look to the future knowing he is locked up behind bars.

“If you or anyone you know has been a victim of rape or sexual assault, please report it to us. We will listen without judgement and support you throughout.”