Joseph Manhyia

An Aberdeen woman was sexually assaulted in her sleep by a man she met on an online dating app, leading to his imprisonment at Aberdeen Sheriff Court.

The incident occurred after Joseph Manhyia, 33, made contact with the woman around 11 October 2023. She invited him to her home on 13 October 2023 to watch a film. The pair moved to her bedroom, where she fell asleep during the movie. Sometime during the night, she awoke to find Manhyia had inserted two fingers inside her, constituting sexual assault by penetration.

At the court hearing on Monday, fiscal depute Rebecca Thompson detailed the woman's account: 'The complainer’s next memory is waking up and feeling that the accused had two fingers inside her.' The woman supported a non-harassment order to prevent future contact from Manhyia.

Solicitor Michael Burnett, representing Manhyia, contested aspects of the background reports, which described his explanation as 'somewhat rehearsed' and the offence as 'premeditated'. Burnett argued: 'He has contacted me at every step of the process. He has taken this matter exceptionally seriously.' He noted Manhyia's postgraduate degree, lack of previous convictions, and employment, adding that while romantic behaviour was anticipated, 'He accepts, however, that he took that too far... It was a spontaneous act by him, which he accepts was reckless.'

Sheriff Graham Buchanan deemed the offence 'very serious', emphasising the woman's vulnerability while asleep and the nature of the assault beyond mere touching. He stated: 'You committed this offence on someone who was especially vulnerable because she was asleep at the time. In those circumstances, I am of the clear view that the only appropriate sentence is one of imprisonment.' Manhyia, of Great Northern Road, Aberdeen, showed no reaction as he was led away to serve a two-year and three-month prison sentence. He is also subject to an indefinite non-harassment order and sex offenders notification requirements.

This case was reported by The Press and Journal, highlighting the dangers of online dating encounters.