Twelve years for double rapist (From Warrington Guardian)

Twelve years for double rapist

A MAN who raped a mother and daughter in their Parr home has been sentenced to 12 years in prison.

Christopher Lawton, 24, was found guilty of committing seven sexual offences against the victims, aged 50 and 24.

During the trial, Liverpool Crown Court heard how Lawton went into the home of the victims, who were described as "vulnerable people", on Sunday morning, August 31, last year.

The prosecution said Lawton had threatened to batter the women to death if they did not do what he said.

After the verdict, Detective Chief Inspector Francis Youell, who led the police's investigation, said: "This was an appalling crime, where two women were subjected to a series of sex offences in their own home.

"This would be a terrible experience anywhere, but was particularly so as it took place somewhere that they felt safe.

"The conviction, whilst not taking away the devastation the assault brought, might allow the family to try to begin to move on with their lives.

"I take no pleasure in seeing a man going to prison for 12 years, but this sentence clearly reflects the gravity of the crimes that this man has been found guilty of.

"This was an extremely rare crime and completely out of the ordinary for the community of St Helens, or elsewhere in Merseyside. I have certainly never seen anything like it and hope never to see a crime like it again. If there is anything to take from the court result, it is that local people should be reassured that this man is now behind bars.

"I would like to commend the hard work of the Merseyside Police officers involved in this case, whose professionalism and dedication has assisted greatly in securing the conviction."

Lawton, of Cherry Tree Drive, Parr, had pleaded not guilty to all of the offences. He claimed that he had consensual sex with the women while he was drunk. He will be placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.