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A Wirral man has been jailed for ten years after being found guilty of non-recent sex offences.
Craig Middleton, 53, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court yesterday (Wednesday 21 January) after being convicted of two counts of rape.
The offences occurred in 2009 at two properties in Leeds against a woman aged in her 20s, but it formed part of a Merseyside Police investigation.
Detective Inspector Peter Rexwinkel said:
“I hope this sentencing reassures our communities that we take all reports of sexual offences extremely seriously, no matter how long ago they occurred.
“We will leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of those who commit serious sexual offences and time is no barrier to an investigation.
“I want to praise the victim in this case who had to undergo the added trauma of a trial after Middleton denied the offences.
“Thankfully a jury saw through his lies and he is now starting a lengthy prison sentence for his appalling offences.
“Merseyside Police is completely committed to protecting anyone from violence and sexual abuse.
“Anyone who has been a victim of a sexual offence, is concerned for the safety of someone they know or suspects someone to be engaging in this criminal activity, should come forward and speak to us.
“We have a team of dedicated staff who will expertly and compassionately deal with your reports, and we will do everything we can to bring offenders to justice.
“We urge anyone who is a victim of any form sexual abuse to please report this to police, as we have specially trained officers who will treat you with sensitivity and compassion.
“We take all such reports extremely seriously, and in addition, work with partner organisations such as Victim care Support Service and RASA who are there to support victims of this crime.”