NOVELLE VALENTINO SENTENCED IN CREWE FOR 21 YEARS AFTER MULTIPLE RAPE OFFENSES

In a significant legal development, Novelle Valentino, a 44-year-old resident of Oxford Street in Crewe, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 21 years following his conviction for multiple sexual offenses. The sentencing occurred at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, where Valentino appeared on the day he was scheduled to face trial, opting instead to admit to seven counts of rape and an additional charge of engaging in sexual activity with a minor.

Details presented during the court proceedings revealed that the criminal acts spanned several years, highlighting a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior. One particularly troubling incident involved Valentino offering the teenage victim alcohol, specifically Jack Daniels, before the assault took place. The court was informed that, although no physical violence was employed during the offenses, Valentino did hold the victim down on multiple occasions, exerting control over her during these traumatic events.

Defense attorney David Ackerley requested the judge, Robert Trevor-Jones, to consider Valentino’s guilty plea as a mitigating factor, emphasizing that the plea spared the complainant from the ordeal of testifying in court. Ackerley stated, “He did spare the complainant from the need to give evidence and it took courage to plead at such a late stage.”

In addition to the sexual offenses, Valentino faced charges related to possessing a firearm and ammunition without the necessary firearm certificate. These charges stemmed from an incident on July 8 of the previous year, further complicating his criminal record.

Judge Trevor-Jones emphasized the gravity of the sexual offenses, describing them as the most serious aspect of the case. He remarked to Valentino, “On one occasion you plied her with drink and on many occasions you continued, despite her pleading with you not to.”

As part of his sentence, Valentino will be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life and has been disqualified from working with children, reflecting the court’s concern for public safety and the protection of vulnerable individuals. The case underscores the ongoing issues of sexual violence and the importance of judicial measures to address such heinous crimes within the Crewe community and beyond.