RAYMOND HARRISON OF KEWICK CONVICTED OF DECADES-OLD SEXUAL ABUSE IN CARLISLE
| Red Rose Database
Keswick Rapist
A resident of Keswick, Raymond Harrison, has been found guilty of multiple serious sexual offenses committed over forty years ago, involving two young girls. The case, which has spanned several decades, culminated in a lengthy trial at Carlisle Crown Court, revealing disturbing details of the abuse that took place when Harrison was in his late 20s or early 30s.
Harrison, now aged 73, was a farmer operating in the Keswick area during the time of the offenses. The two victims, who knew him independently of each other, trusted him initially, as he would often buy them sweets and cigarettes. However, these gestures served as a means for Harrison to gain their trust and manipulate them into situations where he could sexually assault them without immediate suspicion.
The court heard that Harrison first raped one of the girls inside a garage, where he forcibly pinned her against a stone wall. The victim was reportedly frightened during the assault. Over the following months, Harrison continued to sexually abuse her on multiple occasions. During these encounters, he allegedly told her that their secret must be kept and warned her not to tell anyone about what was happening.
In addition to the first victim, the court was informed that Harrison indecently assaulted a second girl. His actions included kissing her and putting his tongue in her mouth, as well as touching her intimately over her clothing. Both girls initially felt unable to report the abuse, fearing repercussions or feeling ashamed. It was only many years later that they disclosed their experiences, with both women coming forward to police in late 2017.
Harrison’s criminal record includes a 20-year prison sentence handed down in 2021 after he was convicted on multiple charges. However, that conviction was overturned by the Court of Appeal in the following year, leading to a retrial. The retrial took place at Carlisle Crown Court in 2023, where Harrison was found guilty of three indecent assault charges. He was acquitted on 13 other allegations, and jurors were unable to reach verdicts on ten additional charges.
Subsequently, Harrison faced a further trial within the past month concerning the remaining charges. He denied four counts of rape and two counts of indecency involving the second girl, whom the 2023 jury had already concluded was indecently assaulted. He also denied four indecent assault charges related to the second victim.
Today, a jury composed of six men and six women deliberated for nearly twelve and a half hours before reaching a unanimous verdict. They found Harrison guilty on all ten charges related to the recent case. The court had previously imposed reporting restrictions, which have now been lifted, preventing the media from publishing details until the verdicts were announced.
Judge Nicholas Barker informed Harrison that he is scheduled for sentencing on all thirteen offenses tomorrow. Until then, Harrison, who had been on bail, has been remanded into custody. The judge stated that bail was not appropriate given the jury’s findings. Additionally, Harrison is now subject to notification requirements, including registration on the sex offender register, in accordance with legal obligations following his conviction.
Harrison, now aged 73, was a farmer operating in the Keswick area during the time of the offenses. The two victims, who knew him independently of each other, trusted him initially, as he would often buy them sweets and cigarettes. However, these gestures served as a means for Harrison to gain their trust and manipulate them into situations where he could sexually assault them without immediate suspicion.
The court heard that Harrison first raped one of the girls inside a garage, where he forcibly pinned her against a stone wall. The victim was reportedly frightened during the assault. Over the following months, Harrison continued to sexually abuse her on multiple occasions. During these encounters, he allegedly told her that their secret must be kept and warned her not to tell anyone about what was happening.
In addition to the first victim, the court was informed that Harrison indecently assaulted a second girl. His actions included kissing her and putting his tongue in her mouth, as well as touching her intimately over her clothing. Both girls initially felt unable to report the abuse, fearing repercussions or feeling ashamed. It was only many years later that they disclosed their experiences, with both women coming forward to police in late 2017.
Harrison’s criminal record includes a 20-year prison sentence handed down in 2021 after he was convicted on multiple charges. However, that conviction was overturned by the Court of Appeal in the following year, leading to a retrial. The retrial took place at Carlisle Crown Court in 2023, where Harrison was found guilty of three indecent assault charges. He was acquitted on 13 other allegations, and jurors were unable to reach verdicts on ten additional charges.
Subsequently, Harrison faced a further trial within the past month concerning the remaining charges. He denied four counts of rape and two counts of indecency involving the second girl, whom the 2023 jury had already concluded was indecently assaulted. He also denied four indecent assault charges related to the second victim.
Today, a jury composed of six men and six women deliberated for nearly twelve and a half hours before reaching a unanimous verdict. They found Harrison guilty on all ten charges related to the recent case. The court had previously imposed reporting restrictions, which have now been lifted, preventing the media from publishing details until the verdicts were announced.
Judge Nicholas Barker informed Harrison that he is scheduled for sentencing on all thirteen offenses tomorrow. Until then, Harrison, who had been on bail, has been remanded into custody. The judge stated that bail was not appropriate given the jury’s findings. Additionally, Harrison is now subject to notification requirements, including registration on the sex offender register, in accordance with legal obligations following his conviction.