WORCESTER MAN JAILED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT AND RAPE

A 22-year-old man from Worcester, Barry Finch, has been sentenced to six years in prison after pleading guilty to six counts of rape. The court heard that Finch became obsessed with his vulnerable victim. He engaged in sexual acts with her despite her explicitly stating she did not consent. Prosecutor Christopher Smyth mentioned that Finch had sex with the victim even as she expressed her discomfort and questioned how he could find any pleasure in causing her suffering. The victim had attempted to take her own life multiple times and was on medication for mental health issues due to the trauma endured. Finch's defense presented personal references and psychiatric reports, indicating that he had made suicide attempts after accepting the wrongfulness of his actions and recognizing their impact. The judge, Andrew Lockhart QC, remarked that Finch forced himself on the victim despite her clear non-consent and noted the profound damage caused to her mental health, which required ongoing treatment. Finch was ordered to register as a sex offender for life. The court highlighted that while Finch had been described as kind-hearted and involved in voluntary work, his actions had caused immense harm to his victim.