Robber who preyed on lone women jailed for 14 years

A robber who preyed on women on their own has been jailed for 14 years.

Jason Cunliffe, 52, dragged several women to the ground as he stole their handbags and other belongings in Manchester, Salford and Bury, Greater Manchester Police said.

At Manchester Crown Court on Thursday, he pleaded guilty to five counts of robbery, two of fraud and burglary and theft charges.

Cunliffe, of Wilton Road in Crumpsall, was arrested in the town in September 2025, when police saw him acting suspiciously and caught him after a chase through the streets.

The court heard Cunliffe specifically targeted women who were on their own or in pairs. Seven of his victims had their handbags stolen.

On 4 September, he was seen attempting to hide from police by ducking down behind a car.

After he was caught and police searched his house, they found an iPad, an iPhone, a Samsung tablet and a Hugo Boss jumper.

Det Insp Natasha Feerick said Cunliffe's crimes "will have a lasting effect on victims", adding he had "preyed upon women and on many occasions physically assaulted them to take items from them".

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