[A] “VIOLENT sexual predator” who raped three women he met through an internet dating website has been handed a life prison sentence.
Lee Savage, 25, was sentenced today (MON) for brutal sex crimes he committed against females from Cumbria, South Tyneside and Dumfries and Galloway.
Savage attacked each of his three victims – one in her own home and another in his – after meeting them through the Plenty of Fish online dating site. “The evidence shows him to be a persuasive and manipulative man as well as a violent sexual predator,” prosecutor Tim Evans told Carlisle Crown Court.
“It was, the Crown say, a planned and persistent rape campaign.”
Savage, of Skiddaw View, Penrith, initially denied his shocking offending and before belatedly admitting 10 separate crimes. These were the rapes of all three women, between 2015 and earlier this year, and a string of degrading sex assaults on two of the females.
In an impact statement, one of Savage’s rape victims said she felt he had “violated my whole life”.
The court heard Savage’s first rape, in January of 2015, was committed less than four months after he was handed a community order for sending explicit images to a 13-year-old girl he befriended over Facebook.
Sentencing Savage for his latest crimes, Judge James Adkin told him: “You are, in my judgement, a sexual sadist.”
Savage, who showed no emotion in the dock throughout the hearing, must sign the sex offenders’ register for life. He was told he must serve a minimum of 11 years behind bars before he can apply for parole.”
Isla Chilton for the CPS said: “Lee Savage used a dating website in order to target women over a three year period.
“Throughout the case he claimed that each of the women consented. However, we built a strong case against him which showed that he had threatened and used violence to force them into having sex with him, which proved that they had not consented.
“We also applied to the court to introduce bad character evidence during the trial detailing how he had sexually assaulted a fourth woman in Scotland in very similar circumstances. Once faced with the overwhelming evidence against him, he was left with no other option than to plead guilty to the offences, albeit at the very last hour on the day of the trial.
“I would like to thank the victims for their immense courage in coming forward and giving evidence against him, which has helped us bring him to justice for his deplorable actions.”
DS Rob Ewin of Cumbria Police giving his reaction to today’s sentencing.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Susanne Hayward, North Cumbria CID, said: “Lee Savage is a highly dangerous individual who has no respect for women.
“He subjected each of his victims to truly horrific ordeals. He would be persuasive and appear, when speaking online, a reasonable young man. This could not be further from the truth.
“He may have pleaded guilty but he has shown no remorse for what he has done to these women. Even when being sentenced he showed no emotion at all.
“I would like to praise the bravery of the three victims. They have been so strong in disclosing what happened to them and have helped make sure that Savage cannot harm any other woman.
“Many people use dating sites to meet with potential partners and form relationships. The majority of people on these sites are genuine, sincere people looking to meet the same. Unfortunately there are those, such as Savage, that use them to commit crime. If you are speaking with someone online and are considering meeting up with them please take precautionary steps to ensure your safety. Make sure the person you are talking to is the person they say they are before meeting. When meeting for the first time, choose a public place and let a family member or friend know who you are meeting as well as when and where. If at any point you feel uncomfortable make your excuses and leave.
“If there is anyone who is a victim of any sexual offence I would urge them to contact us. We, along with trusted partner agencies, can support you and make sure that offenders are brought to justice.”
Detective Chief Inspector Helen Harkins from North Cumbria Crime and Safeguarding Team said: “I am extremely pleased with the sentence issued today it really sends out a message to anyone who thinks they can commit these horrific crimes and get away with it.
“My thoughts go out to our very brace victims who have shown great strength over the last few months.”
