An Oldham man who inflicted violent assaults on his female victims has been jailed for 25 years.

Steven Blades, 53, of Clarksfield Road, was sentenced to 25 years in prison and a further eight years of probation after being found guilty of a long list of offences including two counts of rape, two counts of grievous bodily harm, seven counts of actual bodily harm, making threats to kill, indecent assault, cruelty to a person under 16-years-old and controlling and coercive behaviour during a trial at Minshull Street Crown Court.

The court heard how his three victims had been subjected to physical and mental abuse by Steven Blades over an extensive period of time.

The abuse began in the 1980s when he inflicted violent and sinister assaults on a woman.

In one case, he placed an air rifle into the woman mouth and threatened to fire it when she wouldn’t comply with his demands.

He would subject his victims to sustained attacks including physical and sexual abuse, violent rapes and sexual assaults.

He burned the woman using boiling water and an iron, and used everyday objects to torture her within her own home.

The charge of controlling and coercive behaviour relates to an investigation by South Yorkshire Police.

Detective Constable Heather Yarker of GMP's Oldham district said: "The injuries and torrent of abuse that Blades directed at these poor women was horrendous and nothing short of evil.

"No woman should be in danger in their own home or on the streets and everyone has a right to go about their day to day lives without the fear of being subjected to such abhorrent abuse. The level of abuse experienced by these women is incomprehensible.

"This case highlights the extent of violence that can occur behind closed doors and thankfully today we have been able to remove a dangerous individual from our streets and potentially stop any further harm being inflicted on women.

"GMP is committed to keeping women safe I hope today's sentencing sends a message and a stark warning that GMP will not tolerate domestic abuse in any form and we will do all in our power to bring offenders to justice.

"The strength and bravery of Blades' victims throughout this investigation is remarkable, their courage to come forward and report the matters to the police has been vital in ensuring Blades was put behind bars and stopping him from inflicting abuse on any further women.

Sophie Rozdolskyj, Senior Crown Prosecutor for the North West Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Unit, said: “Steven Blades is an extremely dangerous man who has used every form of torture to terrify and control women over many years. 

“His unspeakable acts of violence and cruelty are some of the worst I have ever encountered. He caused them serious physical and psychological harm by putting out cigarettes on them and raping them. He also isolated them from their families and caused them to doubt their own minds.

“We would like to pay tribute to the bravery of the women he abused for coming forward and supporting this prosecution. Their actions as survivors of this sadistic man will keep many others safe. We hope today’s sentence makes it clear that the passage of time will not stop us from bringing offenders to justice and ensuring they receive the punishment they richly deserve.”

If you're a victim of domestic abuse, or are concerned about someone you know, please use our online reporting facility or use our LiveChat facility on our website, or call 101. In an emergency that's on-going or life is in danger, always dial 999.

Some victims may not feel comfortable speaking with the police, or may feel they need support to come forward and make a report. Greater Manchester Victims’ Services can provide independent emotional and practical support for anyone affected by crime. You can contact the service by visiting the website on https://www.gmvictims.org.uk/ or calling 0161 200 1950.

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