DANGEROUS RAPIST IS SENTENCED TO 16 YEARS
A dangerous sex offender who strongly denied his heinous and degrading crimes in a vicious manner has begun serving an extensive 16-year prison sentence.Ashley Payne, 35, who will serve 13 years behind bars followed by an additional three years on licence upon release, was sentenced by His Honour Judge Roger Thomas KC.
The judge stated: “The crime of rape prompts a critical question I must address: should you be considered a significant risk of causing serious harm to others in the future?
“My clear and unequivocal answer is ‘yes’.
There is no reasonable alternative conclusion.” He continued: “You exhibit a profound and ingrained level of nastiness, which is clearly evident in these offences.
They reflect a pattern of persistent, vicious, and determined conduct over a lengthy period.” At Bradford Crown Court, it was revealed that Payne, of Keighley, committed rape against a victim, threatening her with an iron bar, placing a knife to her throat, and threatening to “twist your neck off.” He also threatened a second victim, saying he would rape and kill her.
Testimonies from victims described ongoing fear, with one stating that “fear still lingered in her mind” and that Payne had “erased her emotions.” The other victim described suffering from constant anxiety, panic attacks, and a pervasive “fight or flight” response.
Payne was convicted after a trial of multiple offences, including rape, which left the victim “broken.” In sentencing mitigation, it was argued that Payne had experienced a “difficult life,” marked by misery, mood swings, and an inability to cope with stress.
His legal representative suggested: “His offending may partly stem from these difficulties rather than a malevolent nature.
The court must decide whether this is a cruel, sadistic history or if other factors are influencing his behaviour.” Judge Thomas ordered Payne, who appeared via video link from HMP Leeds with arms folded throughout the hearing, to register as a sex offender for life.
Additionally, he will be subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a restraining order.
The judge described recordings found on Payne’s mobile phone as “very nasty and indeed vile,” offering a stark insight into his character.
He told Payne: “You have not engaged with the Probation Service, and that in itself confirms some insight I already have … about your lack of empathy and your character in persisting to deny … in a vicious way your responsibility for what you did.
“It’s to be hoped that as the years pass by now you make some productive use of your time in prison, and you become a better man when you are released than so far you have been.”
