Andrew Wild

On 9 July 2005, Andrew Wild, a 40-year-old man from Bury, subjected a 38-year-old woman to a horrific seven-hour attack on a barge in Uppermill, near Manchester. Wild, who had been released from prison just two months earlier after serving less than half of a five-year sentence for stabbing another woman, held the victim captive, raped her, sexually assaulted her, and caused severe facial injuries by biting off parts of her ear and nose. The victim described her attacker as behaving like a 'wild dog' and a 'vampire', laughing maniacally during the assault.

Prosecutor Alaric Bassano, speaking at Manchester's Minshull Street Crown Court, detailed how Wild appeared 'possessed by evil' throughout the ordeal. The court heard that the woman required extensive plastic surgery to repair the grievous bodily harm inflicted by the bite marks. Wild pleaded guilty to charges of false imprisonment, rape, sexual assault, and grievous bodily harm on 22 June 2006.

Sentencing took place on 23 June 2006, with Judge Roger Thomas QC imposing a life term on Wild, who refused to leave his cell to appear in the dock. The judge condemned the 'terrible and dreadful attack', stating, 'It is difficult to see at this time when a day will ever come when this man will be safe to release.' Wild will not be eligible for parole for at least 12 years. Psychological reports presented in court revealed Wild's propensity for fantasy, including a fabricated police statement that led to an innocent neighbour's arrest after a mistaken armed raid.

This case, reported by BBC News, highlights Wild's history of violence, as the attack occurred shortly after his early release from a previous conviction for repeatedly stabbing another victim. Greater Manchester Police were involved in the investigation, with images of Wild and the crime scene courtesy of the force.