ENRIQUE URENA SENTENCED FOR RAPE IN HARROGATE: DEPORTATION RECOMMENDED

In March 2006, a harrowing case unfolded in Harrogate involving a man named Enrique Ernesto Urena, who was convicted of heinous crimes against a teenage girl. Urena, aged 38 and residing on Dragon Parade in Harrogate, was found guilty of raping a 17-year-old girl while she was asleep in his flat. As a result of his conviction, he received a prison sentence of five years and was strongly recommended for deportation from the United Kingdom.

The incident occurred after Urena met the girl, whom he described as a close friend, at a nightclub in Harrogate in May. Following their meeting, he invited her and a group of her friends back to his residence for what was supposed to be a social gathering. However, the night took a dark turn when the girl became sick and dizzy, prompting Urena to put her to bed in his room. Later that night, Urena committed the assault while she was unconscious, an act that would have lasting repercussions for the victim.

The girl, upon waking, confronted Urena, accusing him directly by saying, “you raped me.” Urena, however, dismissed her claim as not being serious, choosing to ignore her distress and returning to sleep. The following morning, after taking the morning-after pill, the girl reported the assault to the police. Her bravery in giving evidence in court was noted during the trial.

Urena was arrested later that afternoon as he was walking to work at a restaurant in Harrogate. His trial at York Crown Court concluded with a jury finding him guilty of both rape and sexual assault. Despite denying the charges, the jury’s verdict was clear, and the judge, Shaun Spencer, sentenced him accordingly. Urena was told to expect a lengthy prison term, which was set at five years, reflecting the gravity of his crimes. Additionally, he received a concurrent three-year sentence for a sexual offence committed against the same girl just prior to the rape.

Judge Spencer emphasized the seriousness of the case, noting that Urena’s denial of guilt only compounded the severity of his actions. The judge pointed out that the victim had shown remarkable bravery in giving evidence, and because of her young age, Urena was also ordered to be banned from working with children for the rest of his life. Upon release, he will be required to sign the sex offenders register regularly and report to the police.

In his defense, Urena’s supporters claimed he was a man of “good character” both in England and Mexico. He had maintained steady employment and had no prior criminal record. His former employer, Reinaldo’s Tapas Bar, even wrote a letter supporting his character and offered him his job back upon release. Urena’s ex-wife, whom he met in Mexico before moving to Harrogate six years ago, expressed her intention to reunite with him after his release and stated she would visit him regularly in the meantime.

Urena had been granted a lifelong residence permit in Britain following his marriage, but his conviction prompted authorities to seek its revocation and pursue deportation. Judge Spencer stated that the severity of the offence justified removing Urena from the country, supporting the extradition application. Detective Constable Steve Royle from Harrogate CID, who led the investigation, commented on the case, saying, “The length of the sentence demonstrates the seriousness of the offence and I’m encouraged by the sentence. Now the victim can start to put it behind her and move on with her life.”