KAREN WHITE, TRANS WOMAN, SENTENCED TO LIFE IN PRISON IN WAKEFIELD FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES
A convicted rapist who is transitioning to female has been sentenced to life imprisonment after committing sexual assaults within a women’s prison.Karen White, born male but identifying as a woman, was found responsible for raping two women and stabbing her neighbor prior to attacking two inmates at HMP New Hall in Flockton near Wakefield.
The 52-year-old, described as 'predatory' and 'manipulative,' was deemed a 'significant risk of serious harm to children, women and the general public' during her sentencing at Leeds Crown Court.
Previously known as Stephen Wood and David Thompson, White had occasionally dressed in women's clothing in the past, but only began gender reassignment after being remanded into custody.
While on remand in the B wing of the female prison, wearing a wig, makeup, and women’s attire, she sexually assaulted two inmates between September and October of the previous year.
Prosecutor Christopher Dunn described the defendant as 'allegedly' transgender, explaining: 'The prosecution say allegedly because there’s smatterings of evidence in this case that the defendant’s approach to transitioning has been less than committed.' He further suggested that White’s possible lack of genuine commitment to gender transition was a strategy to exploit a transgender persona for contact with vulnerable individuals she could manipulate.
White, who resides on Elphin Court in Mytholmroyd, Hebden Bridge, was first apprehended following an incident where she attacked her 66-year-old neighbor with a steak knife last year.
The victim recounted that White threatened, 'I’m going to kill you,' after accusing her of trying to kiss White and 'slobbering all over' her.
During the attack, White told the victim, 'I’m going to kill you.
If I don’t do it now, you won’t know when or where but I am going to kill you.' Further allegations emerged when two women came forward, accusing White of rape.
One woman was assaulted while pregnant, and another was repeatedly raped, sustaining internal injuries and expressing fears she may be unable to have children in the future.
Both victims had attempted to take their own lives due to the trauma.
While in custody, White approached an inmate in line for medication.
Mr.
Dunn explained: 'The complainant, while waiting, felt something hard press against her lower back.
She turned and saw the defendant standing there.
She could see the defendant’s erect penis protruding from her pants, covered by her tights.' Another inmate recounted an incident in the prison workshop, where White made inappropriate comments about oral sex and forcibly placed her hand on her breast, saying, 'Oh look, they’re not real ones.' White later disclosed to a probation officer expressing disturbing thoughts, claiming she 'could abuse a child and think nothing of it' and stating she needed 'to be put in hospital or she would abduct a child and kill it.' The court was told: 'You represent a significant risk of serious harm to children, to women and to the general public.' At Bradford Crown Court, White was convicted of one count of wounding and pleaded guilty to three counts of rape against two women and two counts of sexual assault involving inmates.
She has previous convictions for indecent exposure, indecent assault, and gross indecency involving a 12-year-old and a nine-year-old boy.
She is currently held at HMP Leeds in Armley, where she now serves her sentence as a man.
She received a life sentence with a minimum term of eight years and 116 days, with eligibility for parole after serving half of that term.
Judge Christopher Batty stated: 'You are a predator and highly manipulative, and in my view, you are a danger.' He emphasized: 'You pose a significant risk of serious harm to children, to women and to the general public.'
