ALEXANDER FLEMING, BURNLEY RAPIST, SENTENCED FOR TWO VICTIMIZATIONS DECADES APART
In a case that has spanned over two decades, Alexander Fleming, a man with a history rooted in Burnley, has been convicted of heinous sexual offenses committed against two vulnerable teenage girls.The court proceedings revealed disturbing details about his actions, which occurred approximately 20 years apart, highlighting a pattern of predatory behavior that has left lasting scars on his victims.
Fleming, now aged 51, is a former soldier whose first known assault took place during a period when he was on leave from military service.
Around 30 years ago, he targeted a young girl, subjecting her to a brutal attack that she struggled to resist.
Despite her pleas and desperate attempts to stop him, Fleming persisted, leaving her traumatized and fearful.
The court heard that this initial assault was followed by a second attack, which occurred when Fleming was in his early forties.
During this later incident, he forcibly assaulted another innocent girl, an act that further exemplifies his pattern of predatory behavior.
The case took a significant turn last July when Fleming was admitted to the mental health ward at the Royal Blackburn Hospital after attempting to take his own life.
During his stay, he confided in a staff nurse, admitting to the crimes he had committed.
Recognizing the seriousness of his disclosures, the nurse sought legal advice, contacted the police, and an investigation was promptly initiated.
Fleming was subsequently arrested in October of the same year, during which he chose not to comment on the allegations against him.
Fleming faced multiple charges, ultimately admitting to three counts of rape.
His conviction led to a court order requiring him to register as a sex offender for life and prohibiting him from working with children, measures aimed at protecting the community from further harm.
The prosecution, led by Sarah Statham, detailed the harrowing experiences of the victims.
The first victim, who believed Fleming had been watching her, recounted her struggle to escape and her pleas for him to stop, which he ignored.
The second victim, who had not initially reported the assault to authorities, confided in colleagues during a work outing about her ordeal, revealing the lasting impact of the attack and her efforts to suppress the memory.
During sentencing, Fleming’s defense attorney, Bob Elias, acknowledged the severity of the crimes, describing them as abhorrent and emphasizing that such offenses should never have occurred.
He expressed that Fleming’s behavior was incomprehensible and that the defendant fully accepts the punishment he faces, recognizing that he will likely spend a significant amount of time in prison.
Elias also conveyed Fleming’s remorse, stating that his client wished he had not committed these acts and was unable to fully explain his motives.
Judge Beverley Lunt delivered the sentence, noting that Fleming’s guilty plea was the only mitigating factor.
She acknowledged the profound suffering endured by the victims and expressed hope that they could begin the process of healing.
The judge also pointed out that Fleming’s attempt at suicide might be indicative of guilt, remorse, or despair upon being caught, underscoring the gravity of his actions and the impact on those affected.
