Rapist Jailed For 16 Years Following "Catalogue" Of Crimes Against One Woman

A MAN who repeatedly raped and sexually assaulted a woman has been jailed for more than 16 years.

Carlisle Crown Court heard today how Graham Richard Carter, 57, committed a "catalogue" of crimes against one female - having previously also indecently assaulted a teenage girl several decades before.

Prosecutor Tim Evans told of the "harrowing" extracts of a diary the woman had kept. This painstakingly detailed the enormity and regularity of Carter's shocking offending, and was handed over to police after his victim reported what he had done.

Carter admitted a total of eight offences - seven reflecting multiple rapes, sexual assaults and illegal touching of the woman; and one indecent assault of the child.

Addressing Judge Andrew Jefferies QC, Mr Evans said: "I presume the sentence Your Honour will pass will mean he is leaving prison as an old man."

Carter's barrister, Brendan Burke, conceded: "The only mitigation in reality are his pleas of guilty."

Carter, previously of Burnside, Wigton, was told by Judge Jefferies he had been guilty of a "campaign of rapes and serious sexual assaults". "They do amount to a catalogue of prolonged and sustained catalogue of serious sexual offending," said the judge, who concluded: "I have no doubt that you are a dangerous individual."

Carter was jailed for 16-and-a-half years. He must serve an extended five-year licence period, and will only be considered for parole after serving two-third of his prison term.

Carter must also sign the sex offenders' register for life.