A VIOLENT Carlisle rapist has been handed an 18-year prison sentence for brutal sex attacks against two women.
Ian Beal, 55, was handed the lengthy jail term at the city’s crown court this afternoon (FRI).
Beal had been convicted by a jury after a trial earlier this year of raping two women several years apart. He was also found guilty of sexually assaulting one of his victims on more than one occasion.
During the trial, jurors heard interviews both women gave to police.
One described a particularly violent incident. “He raped me. I was crying ‘no’. I was begging him to leave me alone. But he just carried on anyway,” she told an officer. “I was saying ‘no’. I was crying ‘no’.
The woman added: “He knew I didn’t want it.”
Both of Beal’s victims provided statements which were summarised during the sentencing hearing by prosecutor Tim Evans, and detailed the impact of Beal’s shocking offending on their lives.
Jailing Beal, previously of Spencer Street, Carlisle, Judge James Adkin concluded: “You are a dangerous offender.”
Beal must serve an extended five-year licence period, and will only be considered for release from custody after serving two-thirds of the jail term. He must sign the sex offenders’ register for life.
Detective Constable Susanne Hayward, North Cumbria Crime and Safeguarding Team, said: “Ian Beal is a dangerous individual who has shown absolutely no remorse for his actions.
“I am pleased that he has been sentenced for his crimes.
“Both of his victims were subjected to repeated violent incidents and were made to feel as if they could not speak out about what had happened. Beal is a sinister individual who had no respect whatsoever for these two women.
“I would like to praise the victims for their bravery and also the other witnesses in this case for assisting us in bringing this offender to justice. I hope for both women involved that this can bring some form of closure.
“I would also like to thank the CPS and the legal team for helping us put this man behind bars.
“If there is anyone who has been a victim of any sexual offence I would urge them to contact us. We will investigate all offences sensitively. We, along with trusted partner agencies, can support you and make sure that offenders, like Beal, are brought to justice.”
Isla Chilton, Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West said: “Ian Beal today begins a prison sentence for raping two women and sexually assaulting one of them on more than one occasion.
“Throughout the case Beal denied committing any offences, claiming that the allegations had been maliciously made. However, after we presented a strong case of evidence against him, the jury found him unanimously guilty of two counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.
“The two victims have shown immense bravery in coming forward and taking a stand against their abuser. I sincerely hope that following today’s sentence, they can begin to move on with their lives in the knowledge that justice has been served.
“The CPS and police urge anyone who has been the victim of sexual abuse, no matter how long ago the offences took place, to come forward and report it to the police. We are committed to bringing those who have committed such offences before the courts and will support victims in every possible way throughout the process.”
