DANIEL BLYTHE SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC SEX CRIMES IN MARYPORT AND CARLISLE

A young man with a deeply troubled past has been handed a significant prison sentence after committing a series of heinous sexual offenses against three young girls during his childhood. Daniel Blythe, aged 21 and hailing from Maryport, was involved in criminal activities that spanned from when he was just 11 years old until he turned 16. During this period, he was found responsible for raping two girls and sexually assaulting a third, all of whom were under the age of 13.

Prosecutor Marion Weir detailed the severity of Blythe’s crimes, emphasizing that he admitted to three counts of rape, with one of these counts encompassing multiple incidents of the same offense. In addition to the rapes, Blythe was also convicted of sexual assaults and the transmission of nude images. The court heard how Blythe’s offending began in Carlisle, where he was living at the time, and how he employed terrifying tactics to intimidate his victims.

One of the victims recounted a chilling encounter, describing how Blythe threatened her with a knife, explicitly telling her he could kill her. She vividly remembered him showing her the weapon, which left her feeling utterly terrified. During the assault, Blythe forcibly held her down despite her desperate pleas and protests. The girl also revealed that Blythe left the scene after her phone rang, claiming it was his girlfriend, which added to her trauma. She described the lasting psychological impact, including flashbacks, nightmares, and a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder.

In his defense, Blythe’s legal team highlighted his troubled upbringing, which included being placed in care from the age of three. They pointed out that he had witnessed his mother stabbing someone and had endured neglect and abuse, including an attempted kidnapping. It was also noted that Blythe struggled with substance abuse issues.

Judge [Name], presiding over the case, underscored the gravity of Blythe’s crimes, describing them as “hideously serious.” However, the judge also acknowledged Blythe’s background of neglect and trauma, which may have contributed to his behavior. Ultimately, Blythe was sentenced to five years in prison. Additionally, he was placed on the Sex Offender Register indefinitely and subject to a sexual harm prevention order, which prohibits any contact with his victims.

The judge emphasized that Blythe was a dangerous offender but stated that there was no need for an extended license period, given the gap in his offending history and the safeguards in place. The bravery of the victims and the resilience of the community were recognized, and the court expressed hope for Blythe’s rehabilitation and for the victims to find a way to move forward from their traumatic experiences.