Full Breakdown
Paul Sharpe Sentenced to Life for Kidnapping and Assault of 15-Year-Old
9/4/2026, 8:10:43 PM
Background & Context
Paul Sharpe, a 56-year-old convicted murderer from Stockport, had previously served time for murder before the events described here.
Core Event: Kidnapping, Abuse and Capture
- On May 18 at around 7:30 pm, Sharpe approached a 15-year-old girl on Bradgate Road in Altrincham, placed her in a headlock and forced her into his grey Ford Focus, claiming her father owed him money.
- He drove the victim to several car parks in Greater Manchester and Cheshire, tying her ankles and wrists with a neck tie, providing alcohol, and later sexually assaulting her, including masturbating while touching her feet, according to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
- The victim’s iPad “Find My” feature allowed her boyfriend to give police a location at 12:09 am on May 19, leading officers to a light-coloured vehicle near a cemetery in Knutsford. A member of the public reported hearing a distressed female voice near a hotel car park.
- Police located Sharpe’s vehicle in the Cottons Hotel car park at about 3:40 am on May 19 and arrested him.
Official Statements & Responses
Hannah Gee, senior crown prosecutor for CPS North West, said the sentencing removed a “dangerous offender” from the streets and expressed hope that the victim’s family could begin to move forward after the “harrowing experience.” Greater Manchester Police highlighted the role of CCTV, ANPR and the victim’s device in locating the suspect.
Data & Statistics
- Captivity lasted approximately eight hours.
- The court imposed a life sentence with an eight-year minimum term on September 4.
- Sharpe admitted multiple offences, including kidnapping and sexual assault, at Minshull Street Crown Court.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Just over three months after kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl, convicted murderer Paul Sharpe begins his life prison sentence today. Sharpe subjected his victim to a terrifying ordeal, abducting her at knifepoint and holding her captive for eight hours, during which time he forced her to consume alcohol before sexually assaulting her.” — Hannah Gee
