HIGH WYCOMBE MAN JOHN MCIVER SENTENCED FOR LIFE AFTER BRUTAL ATTACK ON TEENAGE GIRL NEAR WARWICKSHIRE

In a chilling case that has sent shockwaves through the community of High Wycombe and the surrounding areas, John McIver, a 39-year-old carpenter, has been handed a life sentence after being convicted of raping a 13-year-old girl in her own bedroom. The heinous crime unfolded after McIver, who had established an online friendship with the young victim, manipulated her by adopting a false identity in a chatroom. He initially posed as a girl named Lisa and later as her father, gaining her trust before orchestrating a terrifying visit to her home near South Warwickshire in March of the previous year.

According to court proceedings, McIver's actions culminated in a brutal assault inside the girl’s bedroom. The victim, in a recorded interview, recounted her ordeal, stating, “He said to go upstairs. There was no way away from him. He would not have accepted no, and I did not want him to hurt me.” The girl’s account detailed how McIver indecently assaulted her before forcing himself upon her in a sexual manner. The assault escalated to rape, and he then coerced her into performing oral sex.

Following his arrest, McIver initially denied any involvement, claiming he had never been to the girl’s village. However, evidence quickly contradicted his claims. Both the girl and a neighbor provided accurate descriptions of McIver, and his mobile phone had been used in the vicinity at the time of the attack. DNA evidence, which matched his genetic profile, was recovered from the girl, further solidifying the case against him.

McIver faced trial at Warwick Crown Court, where he was found guilty in September of rape, indecent assault, and committing an act of gross indecency. The case was temporarily adjourned after a separate trial on another indecent assault charge, from which he was acquitted. The judge, Marten Coates, at Coventry Crown Court, described McIver as a significant danger to young women and sentenced him to life imprisonment. The judge also ordered that McIver be placed on the sex offenders’ register for life and that he would not be eligible for parole until he has served a minimum of five and a half years.

In delivering the sentence, Judge Coates emphasized the ongoing risk McIver poses, stating, “You do pose, and will continue to pose, a high risk of harm to young women. There is nothing available to you which can mitigate what you did.” The case underscores the grave dangers posed by individuals who exploit online platforms to target vulnerable victims, and it highlights the importance of vigilance and swift justice in protecting young people from predatory behavior.