SHAKUR VALENTINO SENTENCED IN LONDON FOR MULTIPLE SEX OFFENCES AND TAKING TROPHS
A disturbing case involves 23-year-old Shakur Valentino from St Helens, who was convicted of multiple serious sex crimes in London.Valentino previously served 12 years in prison, with an extended five-year license period, for raping a woman in her 60s.
Today, he received an additional five and a half years in prison, along with an extended two-year term, for attempting to rape an 18-year-old woman.
The court heard that Valentino, who denied raping the teenager, changed his plea to guilty of attempted rape on the day she was scheduled to give pre-recorded evidence.
Judge Louise Brandon highlighted that a troubling aspect of both cases was Valentino’s habit of taking items as trophies to remind himself of his offenses.
She stated, “a disturbing feature of both cases was that he took trophies in the form of items as a reminder of your offending.” The incidents began on December 9, 2018, after Valentino and the teenage victim and two friends met on a night out in St Helens.
The pair felt mutual attraction, and they took a taxi back to the victim’s father’s house.
Around 5:30 a.m., Valentino and the victim entered a bedroom where they initially had sex but then stopped.
The victim put on a dressing gown and left the room, explaining she was tired and wanted to sleep before work.
However, Valentino allegedly wanted more and tried to continue.
Prosecutor Philip Astbury explained, “She told him no as she was tired...
the defendant refused to take no for an answer.” Valentino then forced her onto her back, despite her protests, and climbed on top of her.
Despite her resistance and cries, Valentino covered her mouth to silence her.
While she believed she was raped, prosecutors, after consulting with the victim, decided not to pursue that charge.
A witness heard her screams, entered the room to find Valentino on top of the victim, and she managed to escape, frightened and only dressed in her dressing gown.
She ran outside and hid behind a van while her friend confronted Valentino, who accused her of being “mental” before leaving.
Police later arrested Valentino nearby.
He claimed the sex was consensual and accused the victim of being intoxicated with alcohol, cocaine, and ketamine.
Toxicology reports showed this was not the case, and officers found the victim’s knickers hidden in Valentino’s boxer shorts.
Valentino admitted he had deliberately taken her clothing but could not explain why.
The victim is now undergoing counseling, and the attack has significantly impacted her emotional well-being and view of others.
Valentino’s criminal history also includes a prior conviction for assault causing actual bodily harm (2017).
In 2019, he pleaded guilty to two counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault, kidnapping, and assault causing bodily harm stemming from an attack in London.
In that incident, Valentino pursued and assaulted a cleaner walking to work, dragging her into an alley, raping her, and threatening a homeless man who tried to intervene.
CCTV footage captured Valentino hanging around Piccadilly Circus for about an hour, approaching three women, and fleeing as police arrested him.
Judge Brandon noted Valentino’s habit of taking clothing items from victims in both incidents.
During defense, Cheryl Mottram explained that Valentino took the leggings from his grandmother in a hurried attempt to escape, not as trophies.
She referenced a psychiatric report indicating Valentino suffered childhood trauma linked to family upheaval and being placed in protective custody.
Ms.
Mottram described him as having been abused by those meant to care for him, suggesting “the abused becomes the abuser.” She also mentioned Valentino’s remorse, support from his family, and hope for rehabilitation.
Judge Brandon criticized Valentino’s attitude towards women, citing derogatory remarks he made about his victims, which revealed a “deep seated and disgraceful attitude.” While acknowledging childhood trauma had impacted him, she emphasized that Valentino remained “a very dangerous young man,” with impulsive and unpredictable behavior and a denial of wrongdoing.
The judge noted that Valentino’s first victim continues to suffer sleeping problems and difficulty living normally, even years after the assault.
The sentence is to be served consecutively, meaning Valentino will serve at least almost 12 years in prison before he can seek parole.
