PAUL KARIUKI

Two men responsible for raping women in Cumbria while using their residences as bases for drug trafficking have received a combined prison sentence of 30 years.

London residents Paul Kariuki, aged 20, and Fowzi Hlal, also 20 years old, infiltrated the homes of vulnerable women in Carlisle to facilitate their criminal enterprises.

Their violence was intended to intimidate the women into silence, preventing them from reporting the crimes to authorities.

Kariuki, who is without a fixed address, was found guilty of raping two women, possessing crack cocaine with the intent to supply, and causing actual bodily harm to a female victim in Carlisle.

The convictions were handed down by Hove Crown Court in Brighton on July 30.

The first 15 years of their sentences will be served in prison, followed by an additional five years on supervised release, with the expectation that they will serve at least 10 years before seeking parole.

The investigation was a collaborative effort between police departments in Cumbria and Sussex.

Law enforcement officials confirmed that the offenders traveled throughout the UK aiming to expand their drug distribution network, employing sexual violence as a tactic known as cuckooing to maintain control over their operations.

Authorities described the sexual assaults as a 'by-product' of their broader criminal activities, used to keep their drug trade under their authority.

The victims’ courage, bolstered by police support, was vital in securing the conviction of the offenders.

This case underscores the police force's dedication to dismantling county lines and addressing related exploitation, including sexual violence, sending a strong message that victims will be supported and offenders will face justice.