Rapist jailed for six-and-a-half years (From Warrington Guardian)

Rapist jailed for six-and-a-half years

8:00am Friday 26th October 2012 in News

A 58-YEAR-OLD has been jailed for six and a half years for raping and sexually assaulting a woman.

Alan Jones, of Capesthorne Road, Orford, pleaded guilty to two counts of rape and two counts of sexually assaulting his victim.

Warrington Crown Court heard on Tuesday how his assault, which took place in the late 1990s had left his victim traumatised.

Sentencing him Judge Nicholas Woodward said: “It’s inevitable that she has, as a result, suffered from what appears to be permanent emotional trauma. She is left with all of the hallmarks of damage that such abuse causes.”

His offending only came to light years later when his victim made the allegations to the police.

In interview Jones initially denied any wrongdoing but later pleaded guilty before the case went to trial.

The court heard how he had not offended following these offences and had no previous convictions of a similar nature.

John Philpotts, defending, said that his client’s rape charges could not be deemed a campaign of abuse.

He also added that it was his defendant who decided not to subject his victim to the trauma of a trial.

“It requires immense courage for him to admit to this knowing he doesn’t face a short sentence,” added Mr Philpotts.

When handing down his sentence Judge Woodward added: “You have expressed remorse and you have said you are ashamed of your behaviour.”

Jones was handed six and a half year sentences each for each rape count and four years each for the sexual assault charges and all will run concurrently.

He was also ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life.