A man from Heaton Chapel has been sentenced to a minimum term of 22 years in jail after being found guilty of a "string of intrusive and heinous crimes against women". 

Nicholas Moxham, 52, was found to have set up secret cameras at his home, where he filmed what police have described as 'disturbing behaviour'. 

Moxham was found guilty of rape, prostitution, slavery and sexual assault, following a five-week trial at Minshull Street Crown Court.

In all, he was found guilty of: six counts of controlling prostitution for gain; three counts of requiring a person to perform forced labour; six counts of rape; one count of attempted rape; three counts of assault by penetration; and 13 counts of voyeurism. 

Moxham covertly filmed his crimes using hidden cameras, such as this one hidden in a pen, found during a police raid of his address (Image - GMP)

Moxham was sentenced at Minshull Street Crown Court on Friday 12 July.

The court heard two powerful victim statements on the day: 'You preyed on the vulnerable and I hope you're ashamed for what you did", one said.

Another said: "To Nick: thank you for running my life and destroying my trust in the human race. I feel proud for standing up against you and being a part of this."

Moxham recruited six women as sex workers, arranging for clients to visit them at his address in Heaton Chapel, and another address in Longsight. 

Many of these encounters were covertly filmed.

On several other occasions, videos showed Moxham raping or sexually assaulting women, sometimes whilst they were unconscious.

During a raid of Moxham's address in 2021, officers found a 'pale and malnourished' woman under a duvet, as well as computer hard drives, storage devices and spyhole cameras, which Moxham had attempted to throw out of the window. 

The woman was put in safeguarding measures, and the ensuing investigation helped to identify further victims.

Police carried out a raid at Moxham's address on Briarfield Road in August 2021 (Image - GMP)

A Greater Manchester Police (GMP) spokesperson said: "From the very beginning of this investigation, our victims and the women who were being exploited and so appallingly treated by Moxham have been at the very heart of everything we have done.

"This has been a complex investigation which has spanned over three years. We've had a team of dedicated investigators, made up of the Stockport Challenge Team and detectives from our Crime Investigation Team, who have worked meticulously to piece together Moxham's crimes.

"As a result, we've been able to safeguard several people and support them through recovery, we've watched over hundreds of hours of distressing footage, and over one million recovered images to ensure we identified every victim and spent countless hours searching Moxham's property to make sure we had enough evidence to put Moxham behind bars for a long time."

Kate Green, Deputy Mayor of Police, Crime, Criminal Justice and Fire, said: "This case has been one of the most horrifying modern slavery cases we've ever seen. Thanks to the bravery of the victims and the tenacious efforts of our Challenger Teams we have seen justice served today.

"It sends a strong message to perpetrators that we will not tolerate this vile crime in Greater Manchester, but importantly it demonstrates to victims that we are here, as police and victim services, to support you to live a safe life free from this abuse. Please make yourself aware of the signs of modern slavery and together we can bring down these criminals."

Detective Sergeant Lee Attenborough from GMP Programme Challenger said: "We know that coming forward to the police isn't always easy, and we are working tirelessly to improve the trust and confidence that the public and victims have in us.

"I hope from this investigation, anyone who has been a victim of crime, or has experienced abuse or exploitation knows that whenever they are ready to come forward, we will support them.

"Our survivors have been incredibly courageous, and I hope that this will empower any victims of crime to come forward and have trust in us that we will fight for them and do all we can to secure justice.

"I want you to know that you are not alone, you are not to blame, and we have specially trained officers and partners who will support you."

Police also advised anybody who has been a victim of sexual assault not to suffer in silence. Some places where you can get help are:

• St Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre | Provides support for men, women and children who have been victims of sexual abuse. Support can include emotional support and / or medical examinations. Available 24 hours a day on 0161 276 6515.
• Greater Manchester Rape Crisis | A confidential support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email [email protected]
• Survivors Manchester | Provides specialist trauma-informed support to male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape, or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.

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