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A woman was raped after reportedly having her drink spiked during a night out in a UK city centre. Benjamin Wilson, 35, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison following the attack. A mugshot released after his conviction shows him smiling.

The victim, who was described by police as "extremely vulnerable and intoxicated", became separated from her friends while on a night out in Manchester in June 2022. She believed her drinks had been tampered with and found herself alone before meeting Wilson near a takeaway.

Wilson then guided her into a taxi before repeatedly raping her at a flat in the city. The following morning, Wilson dropped her near the hotel she had been due to stay at with her friend.

The victim then reported the incident to police and a major investigation was launched. She has since suffered from trauma and PTSD as a result of the attack.

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Investigating officers from Greater Manchester Police analysed CCTV footage, phone data, witness accounts and financial information before arresting Wilson in Derbyshire.

They further analysed digital evidence, such as phone data and social media, to establish links between the victim and the suspect.

Wilso, of Norwood Avenue, Chesterfield, has now been jailed for 10 years after being guilty of three counts of rape and false imprisonment. Police have commended the victim's bravery throughout the investigation.

DC Phillip Sargeant of Longsight CID said: "I am awestruck not only by the courage of the victim in coming forward, but also by her patience and resilience in waiting for justice.

"The impact on her, her family and her support network has been profound. I hope today's sentence provides some measure of closure and enables them to move on from this traumatic experience.

"We have worked hard to support her throughout, allowing her to guide the pace of the investigation and how she engaged with the process.

"I hope this case reassures others that they will be taken seriously and supported sensitively by Greater Manchester Police, no matter how long it takes."