WILLIAM RATHBONE SENTENCED IN STOKE-ON-TRENT FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT
William Rathbone, a 22-year-old convicted rapist, has been sentenced to six years and five months in prison after he sexually assaulted a woman.Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court was told that Rathbone carried out the attack eight months after his release from a 40-month prison sentence for rape and assault by penetration involving a girl under 16, which had concluded in 2017.
The victim reported the incident to police the following day, expressing her disgust and stating that the assault had profoundly affected her life.
Prosecutor Tim Harrington highlighted that the offence was "seriously aggravated by his previous convictions and the fact he was on license for sexual activity at the time and had not long been released from custody." Rathbone, who has no fixed address, pleaded guilty to assault by penetration.
During sentencing, Saleema Mahmood, representing Rathbone, noted that his mental health has now improved and that he had completed a sex offender treatment program while in custody.
She emphasized that the recent offence was markedly different from his prior conviction, stating, "He now does not rely solely on his explanation that he was very heavily intoxicated and acknowledges what he did was very, very wrong." Ms.
Mahmood added that Rathbone has been in custody since his arrest and expressed that, "Without the use of a significant amount of alcohol Mr Rathbone would not even have conceived behaving in that way." She conveyed Rathbone's desire to turn his life around, saying, "He is keen to do anything he can to start a new life and make himself a better person." Judge David Fletcher addressed Rathbone directly, observing, "You have indicated some remorse.
Your age is of relevance, you were at the time of the offence 19.
I do not find you pass the test for dangerousness and will not be making an extended sentence.
Prison will detain you for a significant period of time before you are eligible for release." Rathbone is set to be released on licence after serving half of his sentence and is placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely.
