BARRIE O'KEEFE SENTENCED IN CARLISLE FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES AGAINST MINORS
| Red Rose Database
Carlisle Rapist
A man from Carlisle, Barrie O’Keefe, has been handed a significant prison sentence after being convicted of serious sexual offenses committed nearly two decades ago. The crimes, which involved the sexual assault of a 15-year-old boy and the rape of a 21-year-old man, occurred in Carlisle in 2006 but were only brought to light and reported to authorities in 2022.
O’Keefe, who is now 48 years old and currently without a fixed address, faced justice at Carlisle Crown Court. On the 25th of September, he was sentenced to 12 years in prison following his conviction on charges of one count of rape and two counts of sexual assault against minors. The jury reached their verdict in July 2024 after a thorough trial, and O’Keefe was found guilty of all charges.
In addition to his prison term, O’Keefe is subject to an extensive sexual harm prevention order, which aims to restrict his activities and protect the community from further offenses. The investigation into these crimes was led by Police Staff Investigator Steve Siddaway, who praised the bravery of the victims for coming forward after so many years. He stated, “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.”
Siddaway emphasized the profound impact such crimes have on victims’ lives and expressed hope that the sentence would offer some measure of closure. He also highlighted O’Keefe’s troubling history of similar offending, noting that he was previously jailed in 2007 for related offenses, which underscores the dangerous nature of his actions. The sentence serves as a stern reminder that the authorities will pursue justice relentlessly for such serious sexual crimes.
Police continue to encourage victims of sexual assault or child abuse to come forward and report their experiences. They can do so through the official website at www.cumbria.police.uk/report-it or by calling 101. Support services are also available, including The Bridgeway Sexual Assault Support Service’s helpline at 0808 118 6432, along with other local organizations listed at www.sexualviolencesupport.co.uk, to assist those affected by such traumatic experiences.
O’Keefe, who is now 48 years old and currently without a fixed address, faced justice at Carlisle Crown Court. On the 25th of September, he was sentenced to 12 years in prison following his conviction on charges of one count of rape and two counts of sexual assault against minors. The jury reached their verdict in July 2024 after a thorough trial, and O’Keefe was found guilty of all charges.
In addition to his prison term, O’Keefe is subject to an extensive sexual harm prevention order, which aims to restrict his activities and protect the community from further offenses. The investigation into these crimes was led by Police Staff Investigator Steve Siddaway, who praised the bravery of the victims for coming forward after so many years. He stated, “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.”
Siddaway emphasized the profound impact such crimes have on victims’ lives and expressed hope that the sentence would offer some measure of closure. He also highlighted O’Keefe’s troubling history of similar offending, noting that he was previously jailed in 2007 for related offenses, which underscores the dangerous nature of his actions. The sentence serves as a stern reminder that the authorities will pursue justice relentlessly for such serious sexual crimes.
Police continue to encourage victims of sexual assault or child abuse to come forward and report their experiences. They can do so through the official website at www.cumbria.police.uk/report-it or by calling 101. Support services are also available, including The Bridgeway Sexual Assault Support Service’s helpline at 0808 118 6432, along with other local organizations listed at www.sexualviolencesupport.co.uk, to assist those affected by such traumatic experiences.