PHILLIP WEAVER AND HIS SHOCKING CRIMES IN HULL
Phillip Weaver, a man highly notorious within the Hull area for his previous heinous acts, has once again become the focus of public outrage following his recent violent conduct.The incident involved a brutal sexual assault and an unprovoked assault on a woman, which was committed shortly after Weaver's release from prison.
His criminal history and the circumstances of this latest attack have caused considerable concern among local residents and law enforcement officials.
The case dates back to August 2015 when Weaver, then aged 26, carried out a terrifying attack on a female cyclist in East Hull.
According to court reports, Weaver targeted the woman as she was cycling home from work, taking advantage of a cycle path that runs between Chamberlain Road and Leads Road.
The victim, simply trying to return home after a long day, was followed by Weaver.
He then forcibly pulled her off her bike and proceeded to sexually assault her in a terrifying assault that left a lasting impact.
The Hull Crown Court heard detailed accounts of the attack, which shocked the city and drew widespread condemnation.
Weaver’s predatory behavior marked him as a dangerous individual, especially given the vulnerability of the woman he targeted.
Having served a sentence of six years for that assault, Weaver was released from prison.
Despite the sentence and the known risks he posed, Weaver did not cease his violent tendencies.
Instead, he appeared to have resumed his criminal pursuits.
The latest incident unfolded after Weaver’s release, when he sexually assaulted another woman in Hull and inflicted physical injuries upon her with a metal bar.
The assault on this second victim was particularly violent, with Weaver hitting her across the face, causing injuries that required medical attention.
The severity and brutality of this attack underscored Weaver’s dangerous nature.
When Weaver appeared at Hull Crown Court on a Monday to face charges related to the recent assault, he confessed to sexual assault, the actual bodily harm inflicted during the assault, and a breach of his ongoing sexual offender notification requirements.
During proceedings, a victim impact statement was read aloud, revealing the profound trauma experienced by the woman.
She described her ordeal, saying: "If he had hit me in the wrong place, I could have died.
It is hard to wrap my head around that.'" The court was informed that Weaver initially pleaded not guilty to these charges but later changed his plea to guilty ahead of the scheduled trial in June of the current year.
His defense attorney, Nick Peacock, highlighted Weaver’s change of stance, possibly indicating remorse or a recognition of the evidence against him.
Judge Mark Bury, presiding over the case, did not hold back in describing Weaver as a highly dangerous individual.
He emphasized the risk Weaver continued to pose to women, labeling him as aggressive and a significant threat.
The judge sentenced Weaver to a total of five years imprisonment for his most recent crimes.
In addition, Weaver was handed an extended four-year license period, which will commence once he is released from incarceration.
This extended supervision is intended to monitor and prevent future offenses.
Detective Constable Annabel Devall of Humberside Police expressed her relief at the court’s decision, acknowledging the bravery and resilience of the victims.
She stated, "The courage and bravery that this victim has shown throughout the entirety of this investigation has been incredible.
This dangerous offender caused the victim great physical and mental harm.
I know nothing will take away the suffering that Weaver has caused the victim, but I hope the outcome at court will provide them with some closure in knowing that he is now behind bars and unable to attack anyone else." Police continue to encourage victims of sexual violence to come forward, assuring them that they will be supported.
Several avenues are available for reporting such crimes, including anonymous reporting through the charity Crimestoppers, direct reports via the police 101 line, or emergency calls through 999.
The authorities aim to ensure that every victim receives the necessary support and that offenders like Weaver are removed from the community to prevent further harm.
