LEE JONES FROM LEEDS RECEIVES 18-YEAR SENTENCE FOR RAPE AND ABUSE IN CHESHIRE
A Leeds man, Lee Jones, has been sentenced to an extended 18-year term after sexually assaulting and imprisoning a woman in Knutsford, Cheshire.Jones, aged 46, attacked the victim on two separate occasions and used a knife to threaten her family.
During the initial assault, Jones strangled the woman before indicating a knife on the floor and making threats against her loved ones.
He was arrested on February 26 of the previous year after the victim managed to contact her family and ask them to call the police.
In police interviews, Jones claimed that the sexual activity was consensual and suggested that the marks on the victim’s neck resulted from consensual sex.
However, he later pleaded guilty to two counts of rape.
On March 1 this year, at Chester Crown Court, he admitted to two counts of rape, along with sexual assault by penetration, false imprisonment, and causing actual bodily harm through strangulation.
On Tuesday, April 19, Jones, of Cross Flatts Street, Beeston, was sentenced to 12 years in prison, with an extended licence period of six years.
The court also imposed a sexual harm prevention order and ordered him to sign the sex offenders' register, which he must remain on for life.
Detective Constable Andrew Cole from Macclesfield CID commented: "Lee Jones subjected his victim to a horrendous level of sexual and physical abuse.
Thanks to her bravery in disclosing what happened, he has been brought to justice for his heinous actions.
I am pleased that he is now behind bars, where he cannot pose a threat to society." He added, "While the victim will never forget what Jones did to her, I hope that the sentence handed down provides her with some closure and helps her move forward." Chief Inspector Matt Lager of Macclesfield Local Policing Unit also expressed his views: "Sexual offences, especially rape, are extremely serious crimes, and this case is particularly distressing.
I want to thank all the officers involved for their dedication in gathering enough evidence to ensure Lee Jones faces the consequences.
I hope this case encourages other victims to come forward and report such crimes."
