A man from Carlisle who raped a 21-year-old man and sexually assaulted a 15-year-old boy in 2006 has been jailed for 12 years.
Barrie O’Keefe, 48, of no fixed abode, was sentenced today at Carlisle Crown Court for one count of rape and two counts of sexual assault against a child.
The offences, which were committed in Carlisle in 2006, were reported to police in 2022.
O’Keefe was found guilty by a jury at a hearing in July this year.
O’Keefe is also subject of an extensive sexual harm prevention order.
Police Staff Investigator Steve Siddaway, who oversaw the investigation, said: “I’d like to commend the two victims in this case for coming forward and reporting these offences to us.
“It is understandably extremely difficult and distressing for victims of rape to talk openly about what happened to them, but by coming forward it has enabled us to bring O’Keefe to justice.
“O’Keefe’s actions have undoubtedly had a profound impact on his victim’s lives, but I hope the sentence handed out today can go some way in providing closure.
“O’Keefe is a very clearly a dangerous man which has been proven by his previous offending for a similar assault, which he was jailed for in 2007.
“Today’s sentence should send out a clear message to perpetrators that, no matter how much times has passed, serious sexual assaults will not be tolerated by Cumbria Constabulary, and we will do everything in our power to hold them accountable for their crimes.
“I would encourage anyone who has been a victim of sexual assault or child sexual abuse to contact police so our officers can investigate these matters. You can speak with specialist officers with confidence and will be supported throughout any investigation.”
