A depraved sexual predator viciously attacked three women he met on dating sites in a horrific “campaign of rape”.

Jonathon Mealing, of Wellbeck Close, Whitefield, met a woman online back in 2016, Manchester Minshull Street Court heard.

Prosecuting, Huw Edwards, said he raped her multiple times, causing injuries to her during the shocking attacks and leaving her psychologically traumatised.

Then in 2019, Mealing met another woman via online dating before he subjected her to repeated sexual attacks before she reported him.

The following year, he met a third woman and demonstrated his sexual violence towards her, attacking her multiple times.

He was charged with numerous sexual offences and earlier this year, the 52-year-old was found guilty of 17 offences, including a number of rapes while he was acquitted of other counts.

Victim impact statements were provided by each of the three women, describing the profound effect Mealing’s terrifying acts had on them.

He has one previous conviction for a domestic abuse case.

Defending, Iain Simkin, said it was hard to offer mitigation for Mealing as he still denies committing the offences.

A psychological report found the defendant suffers with post stress traumatic disorder after the death of his wife years ago.

But the report also said his mental disorder is “likely to have had a limited impact on his behaviour”.

Judge John Potter said Mealing’s behaviour towards them “represented a campaign of rape” and that he is “extremely dangerous” around women.

He also pointed out that he has not shown any remorse for his crimes.

Referring to one of the attacks, Judge Potter said: “It is difficult to consider a more exploitative, degrading or humiliating act than that.”

Addressing the defendant, he added: “It is quite clear that each (of your victims) has suffered psychological harm.

“(One of the victims) described you as a monster in her life.”

Judge Potter said Mealing viewed the women as “objects to be exploited” and used the victims for his “selfish and sexual gratification”.

He jailed him for 30 years with a further eight years to be spent on licence.

Mealing must sign the Sex Offenders Register for the rest of his life too.

After the sentence, Detective Sergeant Steve Horton, of Greater Manchester Police's Bury district, said: "Mealing's treatment of the victims was deplorable.

"I would like to thank them for their courage and providing us with evidence which enabled us to pursue this prosecution.

"Though these offences often have a lifelong impact on victims, it is my hope that this result provides them with a sense of closure.

"I would like to use this opportunity to appeal to people who are being coercively controlled or sexually abused to contact us or one of our specialist partner agencies.

"Greater Manchester Police will do everything in our power to keep you safe and ensure that the person responsible for harming you is brought to face justice for their crimes."

Greater Manchester is nationally recognised as a model of good practice in terms of support services available to victims.
If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.

- Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester.  We offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages.  Services are available  on a 24-hour basis and  can  be accessed by telephoning 0161 276 6515.

-Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives.  Call us on  0161 273 4500 or email us at help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk

- Survivors Manchester provides specialist trauma informed support to boys and men in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.