Police

Brutal rapist given life sentence for York attack

6 June 2012

PoliceA man who carried out a brutal rape in York has been sent to prison for life.

Billy Joe Craven, 19, from the city, was sentenced at York Crown Court on Friday (1 June 2012) after earlier pleading guilty to rape, sexual assault and grievous bodily harm with intent.

The offences relate to an incident that occurred during the early hours of New Year’s Day 2012 at Del Pyke, in The Groves area of York.

The 26-year-old victim, who is local, was attacked and raped by Craven. She suffered severe facial injuries and was taken to York District Hospital for emergency treatment.

Officers arrested Craven shortly after the incident and began an intensive investigation that secured the conviction.

Detective Chief Inspector Nigel Costello, of North Yorkshire Police, said:

I am satisfied with the life sentence imposed and hope that it brings some comfort to the victim.

This was a truly vicious attack and, in my 22 years’ police service, I have never seen anything more harrowing than the CCTV footage that captured the entire offence. The level of injuries sustained by the victim made her unrecognisable.

Her injuries, both physically and psychologically, will require further treatment to aid her recovery. However, she has been extremely brave in how she continues to rebuild her personal and professional life.

I hope the life sentence helps her to put this horrendous ordeal behind her.

Billy Craven is a very dangerous individual and someone that the authorities responsible for his release will have to consider carefully as to whether he will never be a threat to the public again.

I thank the witness in this case who had the courage to investigate what he encountered and then intervene by calling the police and giving chase to Craven as he fled the scene.

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Go toTop