A convicted murderer who kidnapped a girl at knifepoint and sexually assaulted her has pleaded guilty.

Paul Sharpe, 56, pleaded guilty at Minshull Street Crown Court today to six offences including kidnapping, sexual assault and threats with a blade.

The girl was subjected to a protracted ordeal where Sharpe tied her up and sexually assaulted her.

The incident only ended when police arrived and arrested Sharpe, some eight hours later.

Hannah Gee of the Crown Prosecution Service said: “Paul Sharpe, a convicted murderer, kidnapped an innocent girl at knifepoint in broad daylight.

“In this terrifying incident, the victim was held captive for eight hours while Sharpe forced her to drink alcohol and sexually assaulted her.

“Sharpe gave no thought to the impact his actions, for his own depraved reasons, would have on his victim.

“Although his guilty pleas today have spared her from the ordeal of a trial, I would like to thank the girl, and her family, for supporting this prosecution and ensuring this dangerous offender is back where he belongs.”

On 18 May 2026, around 7.30pm, Paul Sharpe kidnapped a 15-year-old girl at knifepoint, putting her in a headlock and forcing her into his car on Bradgate Road in Altrincham.

He told her that her father owed him money and drove to a car park at the airport. He then tied her wrists and ankles with a necktie.

Sharpe moved around different car parks, forced her to drink alcohol and sexually assaulted her.

Police carried out extensive CCTV enquiries after the girl was reported missing by her mother. These enquiries led to Sharpe’s car being identified, and he was subsequently arrested in a hotel car park in Knutsford around 3.40am the following day.

The Crown Prosecution Service worked with Greater Manchester police to build a compelling case, including CCTV and phone evidence.

In interview, Sharpe claimed that he had been feeling bad and so he kidnapped the girl thinking it would be easier than kidnapping an adult.

He said he wasn’t thinking clearly and his intention was to release her when it was light, then end his own life. He claimed his motives weren’t sexual but admitted being aroused by smelling her feet.

Sharpe will be sentenced at Minshull Street Crown Court on 4 September 2026.