Man jailed for multiple sexual offences

A man was jailed for 18 years yesterday (Monday 14 October) after being convicted of serious sexual offences in Hertford.

Frank Manuel, aged 32, of Cussons Close, Cheshunt, was previously found guilty of three counts of rape, two counts of non-fatal strangulation and one count of sexual assault by a unanimous verdict on 25 June 2024 following a seven-day trial at St Albans Crown Court.

The court heard how in the early hours of 30 April 2023, Manuel, who the victim believed to be a taxi driver, offered her a lift home after a night out in Hertford.

He drove her to locations away from public view where he took advantage of her vulnerability and raped her. Each time the victim tried to scream; he would strangle her.

The victim, aged 22 at the time, managed to escape and fled from Manuel. A member of the public found her in Ware Road (A602) and took her to Ware train station to safety where police were then called.

An investigation was launched by the Sexual Offences Investigation Team and the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit. Manuel was arrested on 2 May 2023 at his home address following enquiries to trace the victim’s phone which was left in Manuel’s car when she fled.

On Monday, Frank Manuel appeared at St Albans Crown Court where he was sentenced to 18 years in prison with an extended licence period of two years.

He was also given a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order which details that he cannot be alone with a female that is not a family member, without notifying them of his conviction. In summing up, His Honour Judge Donne KC described Frank Manuel as a “sexual predator”.

Detective Constable Jasbir Pawar, who led the investigation, said: “This was a horrific incident which will have a lasting impact on the victim. After enjoying a night out with a friend, all she wanted to do was go home. But Manuel took advantage of her vulnerability and committed these awful crimes.

“I hope the victim and her family feel a sense of closure and that justice has now been served, although nothing will erase what this man has done. We could not have achieved this result without the assistance of the public and witnesses who came forward. Thank you to all the teams and colleagues who helped with this investigation.

“I’d like to commend the victim on her bravery and courage which she showed throughout the investigation and court process. This was a traumatic incident and I hope now this result provides some comfort knowing Manuel is behind bars and will not be able to do this to anyone else. She will continue to be supported by specialist officers and agencies along with her family.

“I’d like to reassure members of the public that incidents like this are extremely rare in Hertfordshire. If there is anyone wishing to report a rape or sexual assault, please know you will always be treated sensitively and with respect.”

The victim’s parents said: “We would like to thank all those who have been a source of support to our daughter and our family since this assault happened. In particular, we’d like to thank the driver who stopped to help our daughter when they saw her stranded at the side of the road in the early hours of that morning, when many others drove past. Our thanks to DC Jasbir Pawar for his continued support and excellent work on this case and to the Judge and jury for ensuring that justice was served, and the sentence reflected the severity of this crime.

“Our daughter had the bravery and determination to pursue this conviction and we are incredibly proud of her in doing so. We hope this substantial sentence will help in her recovery.”

Anyone in Hertfordshire who has experienced sexual abuse or sexual violence can contact the Herts Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) for practical and emotional support.

The centre can arrange face-to-face support, sexual health referrals, and provide forensic medical examinations for those who want them.

To contact Herts SARC, call 0330 223 0099 or visit Herts SARC website. 

You can also report information online, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101.

Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form.

Hertfordshire Constabulary is committed to tackling violence against women and girls (VAWG) and work with our partners in Hertfordshire to eliminate it. Further information about VAWG and how to get support can be found on our website.