April 2017

Rapist who treated victim ‘like rag doll’ jailed

A rapist who treated his victim like a rag doll has been jailed for eight years.

Robert Long, 21, of Wigton, left his victim shaking and bleeding after the vicious attack in 2015.

Although Long argued he had consensual sex with the 16-year-old victim, a jury found him guilty of rape.

The rape occurred on 18th December 2015 after Long met his victim via Facebook.

While on bail, Long then committed seven further offences – sexually grooming and engaging in sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl.

He pleaded pleaded guilty to the offences.

Sentencing Long for all the offences, Judge Peter Davies, sitting at Carlisle Crown Court, said Long’s behaviour disturbed him during the trial.

He said: “You showed no compassion or contrition for what you did. You reserved all your remorse for yourself.

“Your evidence was cold and devoid of feeling.”

Long stood with his hands clasped in front of him and showed no emotion as his sentence was read out.