Man who raped disabled woman jailed for 15 years (From Warrington Guardian)

Man who raped disabled woman jailed for 15 years

8:00am Friday 21st December 2012 in News

A MAN who raped a vulnerable disabled woman before returning to her home to subject her to a violent beating a week later has been jailed for 15 years.

Daniel McCormick, of Grace Avenue, Orford, first attacked and raped the woman on April 19 this year before stealing a lap top.

An April 26 he came back to the 41-year-old woman’s Warrington home and attempted to get inside the house, armed with a knife.

When she refused, he subjected her to what police described as a “horrific beating”, stabbing her in the hand and leaving her with heavy bruising on her face.

He then stole more items.

The 22-year-old was jailed at Chester Crown Court on Tuesday after a jury found him guilty of rape following a week long trial. He had already admitted robbery and possession of a weapon.

DC Rob McLoughlin praised the victim for her ‘courage’ in giving evidence.

He added: “We have to praise in courage in coming forward to report this right through to the climax of the court case.

“A big part of his motive for this crime was his belief that she would not come forward to police.

“This sentence very much sends the message out that this will not be tolerated.

“He has a total disregard for the justice system.”

The court was told during Tuesday’s hearing that he has numeous previous convictions, has served jail time and was on the sex offenders register.

Among his convictions were assault, criminal damage, theft, stealing a car, robbery and harrassment.

Judge Roger Dutton jailed him for nine years for the rape, six for the robbery and two years to run concurrently for the weapon possession.