MARK YEATES ACCRINGTON RAPIST WITH AXE SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS IN PRISON

In a harrowing case that has shocked the community of Accrington, Lancashire, Mark Yeates, a man with a troubling criminal history, was convicted of a brutal and premeditated assault on a woman that involved the use of an axe and extreme violence. The incident took place on the evening of February 28, 2022, at a residential property in Accrington, where Yeates, aged 51 and residing on Nuttall Street, carried out a terrifying attack that would leave lasting scars on his victim.

According to Lancashire Police, Yeates was deemed a highly dangerous individual, possessing a total of nine convictions for twelve previous offences. His history of offending, combined with the recent assault, led authorities to believe he posed a significant ongoing threat to women in the area. The court heard that Yeates’s actions on that night were ruthlessly calculated and horrific in nature.

During the trial at Preston Crown Court, the prosecution detailed the sequence of events that unfolded during the assault. Julian Goode, the prosecutor, described how Yeates entered the victim’s home and cornered her in the living room. The victim, who was visibly distressed, recounted that Yeates appeared to be under the influence of alcohol, noting that he smelled of stale beer and was “off his head.”

Mr. Goode explained that Yeates had his hands behind his back, and as the woman turned her head, she suddenly felt a sharp pain. It was then revealed that Yeates had struck her on the head with an axe, which he had been hiding behind his back. The woman immediately dropped to the floor, overwhelmed by the pain, which she later described as the worst she had ever experienced in her life during her police interview.

Following the assault, Yeates dragged her into the hallway by her shoulders and forcefully threw her onto the stairs. He then dragged her upstairs by her clothes, despite her dizziness and distress. Once in the bedroom, he threw her onto the bed, where she felt as if she had been used like a rag doll, according to her account.

At this point, Yeates proceeded to tape her arms and legs together, a clear indication of premeditation. The victim, in her police interview, stated that she knew what was about to happen and told Yeates “no,” but he responded by threatening to tape her mouth shut if she continued to protest. She feared for her life at that moment, believing she might be killed.

The court heard that Yeates then locked the front door of the property and placed her mobile phone just out of her reach, effectively preventing her from calling for help. During this terrifying ordeal, he repeatedly raped her, causing her immense pain and terror. The prosecutor described her suffering as “insane” and “killing her,” emphasizing the brutality of the attack.

After the assault, Yeates left the property, and the victim managed to summon police assistance at some point. In her police interview, she expressed her belief that Yeates “wanted to hurt her,” and her account underscored the terrifying nature of the attack.

Yeates pleaded guilty to three counts of rape and one count of assault, leading to his sentencing. The judge sentenced him to 12 years in prison, with an additional eight years on extended licence. Furthermore, Yeates was ordered to register as a sex offender for life, reflecting the severity of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses to the community of Accrington.