JOHN PAINTER FROM WALSALL SENTENCED FOR RAPE IN WOLVERHAMPTON

In a case that has shocked the local community, John Painter, a man with a troubling history of violence against women, was sentenced to a total of seven years and eight months in prison for a brutal and vicious rape that took place in Wolverhampton. The incident occurred after Painter, who was known to have previous convictions related to violence, was living in Walsall and had recently been released from custody in June 2022.

According to court reports, the assault happened on August 12, when the victim, a woman from Walsall, encountered Painter. The court was told that Painter approached her claiming he had nowhere to stay and appeared to seek her sympathy. Moved by his apparent plight, the woman, aged 23, kindly offered him the use of her sofa and even paid for his transportation, believing she was helping someone in need.

However, what began as an act of kindness quickly turned into a nightmare. Prosecutor Mr. Nicholas Cartwright explained that Painter became aggressive when she rejected his romantic or sexual advances. The court heard that Painter's behavior escalated rapidly; he struck the woman, grabbed her hair, and forcefully pushed her to the ground. Witnesses and the victim herself later reported that she believed she was kicked in the back of the head during the assault.

Further details revealed that Painter, in a fit of rage, hurled her mobile phone out of her reach, slapped her across the face, and issued a chilling warning that he would continue to hit her until she engaged in sexual activity with him. The assault was not only physical but also threatening, as Painter left the address afterward, warning her that he would 'kill' her if she reported the incident to the police.

Despite his threats, the woman did report the attack to authorities shortly after Painter's departure. Law enforcement officers quickly apprehended Painter a few days later. During the investigation, he claimed to have an alibi, asserting that he was at a friend's flat at the time of the assault and provided the names of two individuals who could support his story. However, these claims were proven false, as a taxi driver who had transported Painter to and from the scene identified him in an identity parade, contradicting his alibi.

The victim later expressed her emotional distress, telling police that her self-esteem had plummeted. She remarked, “I am normally quite a strong person but this has made me feel weak,” highlighting the profound impact the assault had on her mental health.

It was also revealed that Painter, who resides on Walsall Road, Walsall, had a history of violent offenses against women. At the time of the attack, he was on bail for another assault involving a woman and her father, which underscored his pattern of violent behavior.

During the court proceedings, Painter admitted to charges of rape, assault, and attempting to pervert the course of justice. Judge John Warner sentenced him to a lengthy prison term, reflecting the severity of his crimes and his dangerousness to the community. The case has once again brought attention to the ongoing issues of violence against women and the importance of swift justice for victims.