Stephen Biggs

In late March 2025, Stephen Biggs, a 74-year-old resident of Furness Square in Bolton, Greater Manchester, befriended a woman and invited her to his home under the pretence of socialising. Once alone with her, Biggs administered an unknown substance to the woman, which caused her to feel drowsy and subsequently fall unconscious. This incident took place within the jurisdiction of Greater Manchester Police, who later investigated the matter thoroughly.

Upon regaining consciousness, the victim discovered that some of her clothing had been removed and found Biggs positioned on top of her. Struggling to maintain full awareness, she passed out again. When she awoke a second time, Biggs was still on top of her, with his trousers unzipped. The victim managed to push him off and escape the situation, though the ordeal left her deeply traumatised.

Following the assault, the victim reported the incident to the authorities. Biggs was arrested and interviewed by officers from Greater Manchester Police's Bolton CID. During the interview, he admitted to raping and sexually assaulting the victim while she was unconscious, providing a full confession that corroborated the victim's account. The case proceeded to Bolton Crown Court, where Biggs appeared on 2 April 2026.

Biggs pleaded guilty to one count of rape of a woman aged 16 years or over, and one count of sexual assault. The court, recognising the severity of the non-consensual acts and the vulnerability of the victim due to the drugging, sentenced him to nine years' imprisonment. Detective Constable Jordan Brown from Bolton CID described the assault as 'horrific', emphasising that it occurred without the victim's consent or knowledge at the time. The victim, in her impact statement, shared: 'Being older, this has really taken a toll on me. It’s ruined my confidence. I’m struggling within my own relationship with my partner. It’s destroyed me.' This case underscores Greater Manchester Police's commitment to supporting victims of sexual violence and holding perpetrators accountable, as stated in their official press release dated 7 April 2026.