Skip to navigation | Skip to main content | Skip to footer
Menu
Search the University of Manchester siteSearch Menu StaffNet

End of trial statement

06 Jan 2020

End of trial statement from the President and Vice-Chancellor regarding the rape trial at Manchester Crown Court

Information and support for students and staff

Today (Monday, 6 January) in Manchester Crown Court legal proceedings concluded against a former student of the University, through which they were convicted of the rape of a large number of men, here in Manchester.

The disclosure that Sinaga studied at The University of Manchester and that the scale of offending was so significant, has come as a great shock. There is no doubt that this news will be distressing for many of us.

Our concerns and sympathies are with the victims of these dreadful crimes and with those who are affected directly or indirectly. We have established dedicated help for people who may have been affected (see below) and Greater Manchester Police are also providing a dedicated support line: 0800 056 0154 (if calling from overseas please use 0207158 0011) in addition to The Police Major Incident Public Portal: 0800 092 0410 (If you are calling from overseas please use 0207158 0124).

The Police have been clear that this individual was operating alone and concealing his behaviour. However, we are saddened to confirm that some members of our university community have been directly affected. Our thoughts are very much with them and with all who are supporting them through such difficult circumstances.

The University has set up a dedicated confidential telephone line (+44(0) 3301289241) for anyone who feels they have been affected in any way by these events, or who knows someone who has. A dedicated email address (to Dr. Simon Merrywest, our Director for the Student Experience) is also available to address any questions or concerns or to access support: s.merrywest@manchester.ac.uk.

Nancy Rothwell
President and Vice-Chancellor

Update 17 January 2020

The police incident room and dedicated University phone line have now been scaled back. However, the University will continue to offer confidential support to any members of our community who have been affected. People can contact our Sexual Violence and Harassment Response team for confidential, specialist support by emailing adviceandresponse@manchester.ac.uk or call our Counselling Service on 0161 275 2864.

Information can continue to be passed to police via the Major Incident Public Portal or by calling 101. The MIPP will also provide contact details for support agencies to anyone who accesses it.

For anyone who wishes to seek support but does not want to talk to police or the University, St Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre can continue to be reached on 0161 276 6515 and Survivors Manchester can be contacted on 0161 236 2182. The National Male Survivors Helpline can be contacted on 0808 800 5005.

More information

Who can I contact about this?

The University response and support for staff and students are being coordinated by a team led on behalf of the President and Vice-Chancellor by Simon Merrywest, Director for the Student Experience. A dedicated email address has been made available (s.merrywest@manchester.ac.uk); general queries, concerns or requests for a face to face meeting (one to one or small group) should be sent here where they will be answered by a member of the team which is leading on this. 

For more immediate concerns or to speak to someone in person, contact the dedicated confidential phone line: +44(0) 3301289241. The telephone line will be open from 8am-9pm GMT, Monday to Friday. You can access the University’s Privacy Notice in relation to the confidential telephone line and email. 

Outside of these hours, there is a secure voicemail facility and a member of the team will call you back as soon as possible. Please also consider the email option or the Police helpline.

What should I do if I have been affected by this news?

If you feel you may have been affected, either directly or indirectly by these events, please contact the dedicated confidential phone line: +44(0) 3301289241. By calling you can access initial support and information from a team of experienced professionals. All call handlers can provide a confidential route to discuss any concerns, no matter how small.  We have increased the normal support available to staff and students.

Other sources of support, including some external to the University, are listed on the Report and Support website.

What should I do if I am worried about someone else?

If you know someone who has been affected, please contact the dedicated confidential phone line: +44(0) 3301289241. This complements our existing services. By calling you can access initial support and information from a team of experienced professionals. All call handlers are suitably trained and can provide a confidential route to discuss any concerns, no matter how small. 

Other sources of support, including some external to the University, are listed on the Report and Support website.

You can also refer to the staff guidance on how to respond to disclosures of sexual violence for further information and practical guidance on how to deal with a disclosure. 

What do I do if I am approached by the media or a journalist?

If you are approached by the media about this case, to ensure that accurate information is published, please avoid making comment and ask the journalist to contact media.relations@manchester.ac.uk.

Individuals can also be signposted to:

In the unlikely event that anyone accesses a University building without permission, regardless of whether they appear to be a member of the media then please call Security immediately on 0161 306 9966.

Who are the lead contacts at the University regarding the case?

Led by Simon Merrywest, a dedicated cross-University team has been coordinating the University’s response and includes representation from the Students’ Union and colleagues with expertise in supporting victims of sexual violence and traumatic events. 

I don’t want to call the University’s phone line; where else can I get support?