JAMES CARROLL OF LEICESTER SENTENCED FOR CHILD RAPE AND POSSIBLE OTHER VICTIMS
In December 2019, authorities revealed that James Carroll, a man from Leicester, who was convicted of heinous crimes committed nearly 25 years ago, might have more victims who have yet to come forward.The case centers around a disturbing series of sexual assaults against a young girl in 1994, which only came to light after the victim courageously reported the abuse to Leicestershire Police in 2017.
Carroll, residing in Longstone Green, Thurnby Lodge, appeared before Leicester Crown Court on a recent Tuesday to face sentencing following a jury’s guilty verdict on two counts of rape.
The jury’s decision was based on evidence presented during an earlier trial, which confirmed Carroll’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The now 49-year-old man was sentenced to ten years in prison for each of the two counts.
Importantly, these sentences are to be served concurrently, meaning he will serve the total time simultaneously rather than consecutively.
Following the sentencing, detectives emphasized their ongoing commitment to uncovering any additional victims.
Detective Constable Jamie Carr stated, “The victim in the case came forward in 2017 to report the abuse she’d suffered at the hands of Carroll – more than 20 years after it first happened.
She has shown great courage in providing police with details about what happened, which has resulted in Carroll’s conviction.” He further added, “He must now face up to the consequences of his actions.
We take all reports of sexual abuse extremely seriously – even if they happened some time ago.
I believe there may be other people out there who were abused by Carroll and I would encourage those people to come forward.” It is noteworthy that Carroll was acquitted of two additional counts of rape and two counts of indecent assault during the trial, as confirmed by police.
Despite this, he will remain on the sex offender register for life and, upon release from custody, will be subject to a lifetime sexual harm prevention order.
This order will impose restrictions on his movements and behavior to protect the community.
Looking back to March 2004, Carroll’s criminal history includes a conviction for multiple sexual offenses against an 11-year-old girl.
At that time, he was sentenced to nine years in prison after being found guilty of six counts of unlawful sexual intercourse and five counts of indecent assault, all related to the same victim.
The offences spanned from June 2001 to May 2003.
The court heard that Carroll had pressured the young girl into sex by providing her with alcohol, cannabis, and cash, and had abused her for over two years before she finally disclosed her ordeal following her arrest in Leicester city centre.
Judge John Milmo QC, who sentenced Carroll, described his conduct as “closely akin to rape,” noting that he only obtained the girl’s consent through threats and the exchange of gifts, drugs, and money.
Carroll’s defense attorney, Carl Gaskell, maintained that his client insisted on his innocence and viewed the verdicts as a miscarriage of justice, though the court’s decision stood firm.
Carroll’s criminal record and ongoing restrictions underscore the severity of his offenses and the lasting impact on his victims.
