12 years imprisonment for violent rape

02/12/2011

A man who raped a teenager after she walked home from a night out in Carlisle has been sentenced to 12 years in prison at Carlisle Crown Court within seven weeks of the offence taking place.

Mark Jackson, who was living in a hostel in the area at the time of the rape, had pleaded guilty to attacking the victim in the Denton Holme area of Carlisle in the early hours of 15 October.  He was arrested the following day, initially denied carrying out the rape, but later admitted it.

Isla Chilton, Senior Crown Prosecutor, CPS Cumbria said: "Mark Jackson subjected the young victim in this case to a horrendous ordeal.  She was violently attacked out of the blue in her own driveway and raped.  It is difficult to imagine a more serious or terrifying assault.   Today he begins a lengthy prison sentence for this appalling crime.  

"In interviews with the police Mark Jackson repeatedly denied attacking the victim, or having any contact with her.   He maintained his innocence even when presented with forensic and CCTV evidence that clearly showed he was the perpetrator.  Police and CPS worked together to gather the evidence and build the case against him as quickly as possible and in the end the evidence was so overwhelming he was left with no option but to plead guilty.  I would like to pay tribute in particular to the neighbours who heard the victims screams, rang police and went to help her.  They provided the police with valuable assistance and important evidence that helped bring this defendant to justice.

"Rapes by strangers are rare in general, and thankfully very rare in Cumbria. I would urge anyone who has been the victim of rape or sexual assault in any circumstances to report the crime to police.  We take all allegations seriously and the Crown Prosecution Service has specialist rape prosecutors who have expertise in dealing with sexual offences cases.  We work with the police and the courts to ensure that victims are given the best possible support. 

"The court heard today in the victim's own words the devastating impact this crime has had on her.  She has been remarkably brave in the face of her ordeal and I hope that todays sentence provides her with some measure of justice that will help her to move forward in her life."

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