POWERFUL CRACK COCAINE ADDICT SENTENCED FOR VIOLENT RAPES AND INTIMIDATION
A crack cocaine addict who used violence and intimidation to rape three women has been jailed for 15 years at Birmingham Crown Court.In passing sentence, Mr Justice Jowitt stated he believed Ashley Wright, a powerfully built man, would pose a danger to a certain 'vulnerable' class of women even after he had served his prison term.
Wright (43), of Maple Court, Bolas Avenue, Four Oaks, was found guilty of four charges of rape and two of robbery following a six-week trial.
He was acquitted of two other rapes, as well as charges of false imprisonment, assault, and assault with intent to commit a serious sexual offence.
The jury was unable to reach verdicts on five additional charges of rape and one of assault, with the judge allowing the charges to lie on file after the prosecution decided not to seek a retrial.
The judge remarked that two of Wright's victims had been prostitutes, and that the offences against one were particularly serious, as he kept her captive, intimidated her with threats, manner, and violence during that time.
Mr Justice Jowitt added that Wright treated his victims as his property, instilling fear in them.
He also ordered that Wright be placed on the Sex Offender's Register for life.
Prosecutor Julia Macur QC alleged that Wright, who worked as a pimp and bouncer, carried out a reign of violence on 12 women across the West Midlands, raping, beating, and torturing them.
She stated he believed himself invincible, especially among street-based working women, and used his strength and intimidation to impose his will.
Wright denied all allegations, claiming the sexual acts were consensual.
Defense counsel Michael Hubbard QC argued that Wright's crimes were likely committed while he was heavily overdosed on crack cocaine, presenting a different perspective from the prosecution's narrative.
