COLIN BLAKE FROM WATFORD SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS FOR SERIAL RAPE IN EAST LONDON AND WOODFORD GREEN

In a significant case that has drawn considerable attention, Colin Blake, a 53-year-old man from Watford, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 12 years after being convicted of multiple sexual assaults. The sentencing took place at Snaresbrook Crown Court, where the presiding judge, Murray Shanks, delivered a stern judgment, labeling Blake as a 'serial rapist' and expressing strong disapproval of his actions.

Judge Shanks did not hold back in his remarks, emphasizing that Blake should never have been acquitted in two previous trials. These earlier cases involved allegations of rape against a 13-year-old girl in 2006 and a 26-year-old woman in 2007. Despite the jury's verdicts of not guilty in those cases, the judge made it clear that he believed Blake was responsible for those assaults as well, stating, 'I have no doubt whatsoever that you raped those women.'

He further condemned Blake's pattern of behavior, asserting that the evidence pointed to him being a prolific offender capable of attacking more women. The judge highlighted that Blake had lied throughout all four trials, including the two where he was acquitted, and that his continued offending demonstrated a blatant disregard for the truth and the harm inflicted on his victims. Judge Shanks also criticized Blake's apparent lack of remorse or insight into the pain he caused, describing him as someone who believed he was entitled to sex regardless of the victim's age or feelings.

The most recent assault involved Blake targeting a 26-year-old woman in her own home in Woodford Green, east London, in August of the previous year. Blake had initially asked to come in while she prepared for an evening out, promising to take her out, but soon turned aggressive. When she refused his sexual advances, Blake forced her into her bedroom and raped her twice, actions that led to his conviction.

Earlier, in September 2010, Blake attacked a 14-year-old girl on two separate occasions. He had arranged to meet her under the pretense of buying her a new school uniform. Instead, he drove her to an address in Hackney, east London, where he raped her. Later that month, the same girl awoke to find Blake groping her in her bedroom, further demonstrating his predatory behavior.

Throughout the proceedings, Blake denied two counts of rape and one of sexual assault, but the court's evidence and the conviction have now firmly established his guilt. His actions have left a trail of trauma and fear among his victims, and the lengthy sentence reflects the severity of his crimes and the justice sought by the victims and the legal system alike.