BELFAST MAN SENTENCED TO 11 YEARS FOR RAPING WOMAN IN BELFAST HOME
Anthony West, a 21-year-old from Knockwood Crescent in East Belfast, was sentenced to 11 years in prison for raping a woman early on November 24 of the previous year.The incident occurred after West visited the victim's house at around 6am, made her a cup of tea, and then unlawfully entered her bedroom through the back door after scaling the yard wall.
Once inside, he removed her clothing and had sex with her without her consent, despite her attempts to turn him away and her efforts to call taxis to leave.
West later claimed that the sex was consensual, describing it as "a gift" to get inside the house again, but the court found his defense unpersuasive.
During sentencing at Belfast Crown Court, Judge Derrick Rodgers emphasized that no matter the victim's residence being a "party house," the law applies equally.
He condemned West's attitude of sexual entitlement, stating, "West seemed to have an attitude that women were there for his 'own pleasure' with 'a perception of sexual entitlements'," and described his actions as "the stuff of nightmares." West was convicted in June, and it was revealed he has lodged an appeal against his conviction.
The judge also ordered that West sign the sex offenders register for life, highlighting his complete lack of remorse.
The victim outside the court expressed her relief, saying she was "really, really relieved" the ordeal was over, as it would give her closure, and hoped more victims could come forward and stand up against such crimes.
