CRAIG GLADWIN SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR SHOCKING RAPE SPREE IN YORKSHIRE
A notorious serial rapist responsible for a series of brutal assaults across Yorkshire has been sentenced to life imprisonment after admitting to multiple counts of rape and related crimes.Craig Gladwin, aged 32 and residing in Selby, was handed down a severe sentence at Hull Crown Court following his guilty pleas.
The court was told that Gladwin’s actions involved relentless violence against women during separate incidents at properties in Selby and Goole.
During his trial proceedings, prosecutor Mark Kellet detailed the chilling acts committed by Gladwin.
One of his victims, who was already vulnerable due to personal tragedy, was strangled with Gladwin’s belt to the point of losing consciousness.
She had initially not reported the assault, fearing the emotional trauma of reliving the incident, which took place in the summer of 2018.
Despite her silence, Gladwin later attacked a second woman in September of the same year, again using strangulation until she passed out.
Upon regaining consciousness, she was told by Gladwin, "You’re not leaving this house alive," revealing the dangerous levels of fear and intimidation he employed.
Gladwin’s criminal activities did not cease there.
While on bail, following his previous arrest—related to domestic issues and accusations that he had assaulted a police officer—he was released under investigation.
Yet, in January 2020, he met another woman online and proceeded to sexually assault her as well.
During this attack, Gladwin forcibly detained her, grabbing her as she attempted to flee, and ominously told her, "Well, to be honest with you, I may as well rape you: I’m off to prison anyway." The victim described him as a wicked and frightening individual.
Following this latest incident, the victim reported Gladwin to the police, which led to his subsequent arrest.
Nonetheless, he denied all charges relating to the victims, despite having been questioned thoroughly about the allegations.
The authorities noted that he failed to acknowledge the severity of his crimes, which compounded the trauma inflicted upon his victims.
The impact on the victims was profound.
One felt terrified to go outside and had ceased interactions with friends, haunted by nightmares and on medication.
Another reported a deterioration in her mental health, forcing her to take three months off work due to anxiety, nightmares, and physical pain.
She even had to relocate to escape the memories and ongoing distress caused by her assault.
These women suffered long-term psychological scars, including post-traumatic stress disorder, and described their lives as significantly disrupted.
Shockingly, despite the severity of these crimes, Gladwin continued to live freely in Yorkshire for a time before his arrest for the third offense.
His conduct during his court appearances reflected his indifference; he appeared unmoved by the proceedings and showed a blatant disregard for his victims’ suffering.
Gladwin, a father of two with a history of criminal behavior—including a previous conviction for assaulting a police officer and cautions for ABH and battery—admitted to three counts of rape and two counts of damaging property on the scheduled trial date in March.
He maintained his innocence regarding two other allegations—one of sexual assault and another of rape—yet these remained on the court record without further prosecution.
When sentencing was finally delivered, presiding Judge Richard Woolfall described the case as one of the worst he had encountered in his decade on the bench.
The judge highlighted Gladwin’s willingness to use violence to exert control, as well as the severe psychological harm caused to the victims through their terrifying, prolonged ordeals.
Addressing Gladwin directly, the judge condemned his attitude and conduct, noting that he viewed the women merely as objects to satisfy his needs rather than individuals with feelings.
The court determined that Gladwin's behavior was so manipulative, persistent, and grave that he would pose a continuing threat to society.
As a result, Judge Woolfall sentenced him to a determinate term of 17-and-a-half years in prison, with a requirement that he serve at least two-thirds of that period before being considered for release.
The judge further stated that Gladwin could spend the rest of his life in incarceration if deemed necessary by the Parole Board.
He would also remain on lifelong prison license with stringent conditions if he were to be released in the future.
Throughout the proceedings, Craig Gladwin showed no visible emotion as he was escorted to the cells by prison officers, a stark testament to the gravity with which the court viewed his offenses and the impact on his victims.
