JOHN TRACEY FROM RAINHAM SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS FOR RAPE IN LANCASHIRE

In a case that has spanned decades, John Tracey, a man from Rainham, has been sentenced to a decade behind bars after being convicted of raping a young girl in Lancashire over 20 years ago. The incident took place in 1996, when Tracey, then 42 years old, subjected a 14-year-old girl to a traumatic experience that has now culminated in his imprisonment.

According to court records, Tracey lured the young girl into a false sense of security by offering her alcohol, which was a significant factor in the assault. The attack occurred in his flat located in Thornton, near Blackpool, in November of that year. The details of the case reveal a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior, with Tracey exploiting the victim's youth and vulnerability.

It was not until 2015 that police apprehended Tracey, following a revelation from a woman who came forward with allegations that Tracey had also attacked her when she was younger. This new information prompted a renewed investigation, leading to charges being brought against him last year. The case was brought before Preston Crown Court, where Tracey was found guilty of the rape.

The sentencing was delivered after a thorough trial, during which the victim demonstrated remarkable courage and resilience. Lancashire Police's Detective Constable Emma Shuttleworth commented on the case, stating, “Tracey is clearly a predatory man who overpowered his victim at a former address in Thornton and subjected her to a horrific ordeal. The victim has shown a tremendous amount of courage throughout this investigation and subsequent trial, and I hope the result will allow her to begin to put this ordeal behind her and move forward with her life.”

It is also noteworthy that Tracey has a prior conviction for a similar offense, having been convicted in 2003 of raping a 12-year-old girl. This history underscores a troubling pattern of behavior that has now resulted in a significant prison sentence, reflecting the seriousness with which the justice system treats such offenses.