A north Cumbrian man who raped three women — one as she slept — has been jailed for 15 years.
Details of 23-year-old James Routledge’s crimes, and the profound impact on psychological harm on his victims, were outlined at Carlisle Crown Court today.
One woman raped by Routledge talked about focusing on a mark on the ceiling as he carried out his offending. She later recalled him giving her a hug and kiss afterwards, saying he was sorry, said prosecutor Tim Evans.
The woman later told of reliving the ordeal being like a mini-flashback. “It is so clear,” she said, “it feels like it is happening all over again.”
A second woman had twice tried to repel Routledge’s unwanted sexual advances before she was raped. “This time she shouted and screamed at him, and told him what he had done was raping her,” said Mr Evans.
That woman later spoke of feeling unable to trust anyone. “It wasn’t my fault,” she said. “But try telling me that on a bad day.”
A third woman woke to find she had been raped by Routledge. She later made recordings of conversations with Routledge which involved admissions being made by him.
He carried out this crime having been released under investigation by police who had interviewed him about offending against one of the other two women.
Mr Evans told the court drink and drugs had featured in Routledge’s conduct.
Routledge admitted raping the three women. It was accepted the rapes were carried out without violence.
In mitigation, defence barrister Judith McCullough suggested immaturity, to some extent, had fed into his offending.
“There is the possibility that the term of imprisonment will be a lesson learned for this defendant as he grows up and moves further into adulthood,” she said.
Routledge, of Scotby, was given a 15-year prison sentence by Judge Richard Archer, who said: “To rape one woman is serious indeed. But to rape three women is serious in the extreme.”
Judge Archer imposed an extended three-year licence period, concluding Routledge was a dangerous offender who posed a significant risk of committing further rape crimes.
Routledge must serve two-thirds of the 15-year prison term before being consider for release by a parole board, and sign the sex offenders’ register indefinitely.
After the hearing, Detective Constable Lauren Carruthers said: “‘This was a complex investigation which involved offences dating back several years.
“These types of investigations are incredibly traumatic for all of those involved, which is why I wish to highlight the strength, courage and determination shown by the complainant’s and witnesses involved in this case.
“Their efforts have resulted in a callous and predatory offender who posed a serious risk of sexual harm being convicted and sentenced.
“I would like to assure any members of the public who are aware of any such abuse going on today or historically to report these matters to the police.
“You will be listened to, and all allegations will be thoroughly and sensitively investigated.”
