TWO MEN JAILED RAPING TEENAGE GIRL FOR A TOTAL OF 29 YEARS
Two men responsible for a gang rape that was described as both degrading and humiliating of a teenage girl have been sentenced to a combined 29 years behind bars.During the proceedings at York Crown Court, it was revealed that Robert Harold Matthews, aged 36, told the young victim, “I’ve been waiting for this for a long time,” as she cried out for help and repeatedly told him “no.” The court also learned that Daniel John Holroyd, 32, who had never met her before, actively participated in the assault at Matthews’ residence, with the two men taking turns while changing positions throughout the attack.
The girl’s injuries were described as ongoing internal trauma, but she was too frightened to seek medical assistance to understand the extent of her injuries.
Judge Sean Morris, known as the Recorder of York, remarked that the crime was less about sexual pleasure and more about humiliating and degrading the victim through a sequence of assault.
The judge labelled the incident a profoundly disturbing and extreme form of rape.
Both men were under the influence of cocaine at the time, the court was told.
The girl, in a personal statement, expressed her feelings about Matthews, saying, “One of the worst things is feeling I was really taken advantage of.
“I feel like this has ruined my life.
I feel like I cannot trust people now.
“I am scared now of new relationships.
“I don’t want to give people a chance.
“I am scared this will happen again.” She described experiencing daily flashbacks, nightmares including visions of Matthews breaking into her home, and sleep disturbances.
Currently, she suffers from depression, anxiety, and a fear of being alone.
Matthews, from Meadow View, Sherburn-in-Elmet, and Holroyd, from Ebor Court, Selby, both pleaded not guilty to two counts of rape each.
However, after an eight-hour jury deliberation, they were found guilty on all charges by unanimous decision.
Matthews showed visible emotion and received a 15-year sentence, while Holroyd, who was emotional as he was led from the court, was sentenced to 14 years.
Both offenders face lifelong registration as sex offenders and will be subject to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order.
They will only be eligible for release after serving at least two-thirds of their sentences.
Detective Sarah Scott of York CID, who led the investigation, stated, “The victim has endured a truly traumatic and horrific ordeal caused by these two men, who have rightly been convicted and sentenced accordingly.
I hope the court’s ruling helps her begin to rebuild her life.” In mitigation, Andrew Semple highlighted Matthews’ history as a chronic drug user who had been attempting rehabilitation, although he was then approached by Holroyd, who brought drugs to his flat.
For Holroyd, Laura Addy described him as having a troubled childhood that contributed to his brusque demeanour and his tendency to hide his emotions.
Additionally, he was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and possibly autism spectrum disorder, according to his legal representative.
