LIAM SHARPE COATBRIDGE SENTENCED TO 18 YEARS FOR DOMESTIC ABUSE AND RAPE IN GLASGOW
| Red Rose Database
Coatbridge Domestic Abuser Sexual Abuser Narcissistic Abuser Rapist
At the Glasgow High Court, Judge Gillian Wade delivered a severe sentence to Liam Sharpe, a man from Coatbridge, after a six-day trial that uncovered a disturbing pattern of domestic abuse and sexual violence spanning over nine years. Sharpe was convicted on nine charges involving serious domestic violence and multiple rapes committed against three women with whom he had intimate relationships at different times.
The judge announced that Sharpe would serve an extended custodial sentence of 18 years and 10 months. This sentence comprises a custodial period of 13 years and 10 months, followed by a five-year extension period of supervised release. The court emphasized the gravity of the offenses, noting that the abuse and sexual assaults occurred over a prolonged period, with some incidents also involving the victims' children.
Judge Wade highlighted that the victims consistently described a pattern of control, manipulation, and violence, often exacerbated by Sharpe’s habitual substance abuse. The rapes were committed in an environment filled with fear and violence, with one incident resulting in injury to a victim. The court also considered victim impact statements, which vividly illustrated the profound and lasting trauma inflicted upon the women.
Sharpe’s criminal record dates back to 2008, but his earlier convictions were relatively minor and did not reflect the severity of his recent behavior. Nonetheless, the escalation in his offending was noted as significant. The judge observed that Sharpe tends to blame his victims and substance abuse for his actions, showing a lack of remorse and empathy, and described him as callous, manipulative, and shallow.
Although the Crown initially did not request a risk assessment, the court was compelled to consider the potential future risk Sharpe poses. A comprehensive risk assessment concluded that he presents a medium risk to intimate partners, with a high likelihood of future offending if no effective treatment is undertaken. The report also suggested that Sharpe might be amenable to change, and with appropriate interventions, the risk could be managed. Consequently, the court decided that a lifelong restriction order was not necessary, but emphasized the importance of a lengthy custodial period followed by substantial community supervision.
Throughout the proceedings, Sharpe maintained a stance of denial regarding the sexual offenses, which limited the scope of his legal representation’s arguments concerning remorse or responsibility. The judge remarked that Sharpe’s behavior—whether driven by drug addiction or not—was cruel, threatening, and intimidating. His paranoia and propensity for violence were evident, reinforced by abusive messaging and threatening conduct.
In determining the sentence, Judge Wade considered the need for punishment, deterrence, and public protection. She expressed concern that a standard license period would be insufficient to safeguard the public, especially potential victims, from the risk of serious harm. Therefore, she imposed an extended sentence, combining a custodial term with a supervised extension period.
Regarding the custodial component, the judge detailed how the charges related to each victim were assessed. For the first victim, a five-year sentence would have been imposed; for charges involving the same incident against the second victim, a seven-year sentence was considered, to run concurrently. The sentences for the rape involving the second victim were also set at seven years, to run concurrently. For the third victim, sentences ranged from two to seven years, with some charges to run concurrently. The judge decided to reduce the total from a potential 21 years to a fairer, proportionate period by cutting one-third, resulting in a custodial sentence of 14 years. After accounting for remand time from August 24 to October 14, 2022, the final custodial period was set at 13 years and 10 months.
The extension period, lasting five years, will involve strict supervision and monitoring. Conditions of release will be determined by the Scottish Ministers, and any breach could result in revocation of the license and re-imprisonment. The court also retained the authority to prosecute Sharpe for any new offenses committed during this supervision period.
In addition to the custodial and extension sentences, Sharpe will remain subject to indefinite notification requirements as a sex offender, and his name will be added to the register of individuals deemed unsuitable to work with vulnerable groups. Furthermore, due to previous telephone contact with some of the victims and their children during his incarceration, the court imposed non-harassment orders for an indefinite period. These orders prohibit Sharpe from approaching or contacting the victims or their children directly or indirectly, by any means, to ensure their safety and peace of mind.
Overall, the court’s decision reflects the seriousness of Sharpe’s crimes, the need for public protection, and the importance of ongoing supervision to prevent further harm.
The judge announced that Sharpe would serve an extended custodial sentence of 18 years and 10 months. This sentence comprises a custodial period of 13 years and 10 months, followed by a five-year extension period of supervised release. The court emphasized the gravity of the offenses, noting that the abuse and sexual assaults occurred over a prolonged period, with some incidents also involving the victims' children.
Judge Wade highlighted that the victims consistently described a pattern of control, manipulation, and violence, often exacerbated by Sharpe’s habitual substance abuse. The rapes were committed in an environment filled with fear and violence, with one incident resulting in injury to a victim. The court also considered victim impact statements, which vividly illustrated the profound and lasting trauma inflicted upon the women.
Sharpe’s criminal record dates back to 2008, but his earlier convictions were relatively minor and did not reflect the severity of his recent behavior. Nonetheless, the escalation in his offending was noted as significant. The judge observed that Sharpe tends to blame his victims and substance abuse for his actions, showing a lack of remorse and empathy, and described him as callous, manipulative, and shallow.
Although the Crown initially did not request a risk assessment, the court was compelled to consider the potential future risk Sharpe poses. A comprehensive risk assessment concluded that he presents a medium risk to intimate partners, with a high likelihood of future offending if no effective treatment is undertaken. The report also suggested that Sharpe might be amenable to change, and with appropriate interventions, the risk could be managed. Consequently, the court decided that a lifelong restriction order was not necessary, but emphasized the importance of a lengthy custodial period followed by substantial community supervision.
Throughout the proceedings, Sharpe maintained a stance of denial regarding the sexual offenses, which limited the scope of his legal representation’s arguments concerning remorse or responsibility. The judge remarked that Sharpe’s behavior—whether driven by drug addiction or not—was cruel, threatening, and intimidating. His paranoia and propensity for violence were evident, reinforced by abusive messaging and threatening conduct.
In determining the sentence, Judge Wade considered the need for punishment, deterrence, and public protection. She expressed concern that a standard license period would be insufficient to safeguard the public, especially potential victims, from the risk of serious harm. Therefore, she imposed an extended sentence, combining a custodial term with a supervised extension period.
Regarding the custodial component, the judge detailed how the charges related to each victim were assessed. For the first victim, a five-year sentence would have been imposed; for charges involving the same incident against the second victim, a seven-year sentence was considered, to run concurrently. The sentences for the rape involving the second victim were also set at seven years, to run concurrently. For the third victim, sentences ranged from two to seven years, with some charges to run concurrently. The judge decided to reduce the total from a potential 21 years to a fairer, proportionate period by cutting one-third, resulting in a custodial sentence of 14 years. After accounting for remand time from August 24 to October 14, 2022, the final custodial period was set at 13 years and 10 months.
The extension period, lasting five years, will involve strict supervision and monitoring. Conditions of release will be determined by the Scottish Ministers, and any breach could result in revocation of the license and re-imprisonment. The court also retained the authority to prosecute Sharpe for any new offenses committed during this supervision period.
In addition to the custodial and extension sentences, Sharpe will remain subject to indefinite notification requirements as a sex offender, and his name will be added to the register of individuals deemed unsuitable to work with vulnerable groups. Furthermore, due to previous telephone contact with some of the victims and their children during his incarceration, the court imposed non-harassment orders for an indefinite period. These orders prohibit Sharpe from approaching or contacting the victims or their children directly or indirectly, by any means, to ensure their safety and peace of mind.
Overall, the court’s decision reflects the seriousness of Sharpe’s crimes, the need for public protection, and the importance of ongoing supervision to prevent further harm.