SERIAL OFFENDER IS ‘A SIGNIFICANT RISK’
A serial offender aged just 20 has been jailed for six years and nine months for rape and theft.Daniel Gale, from Caversham, received the sentence at Reading Crown Court after being branded a serious risk to the public.
He had denied two counts of rape, but was convicted after a trial earlier this year.
He admitted stealing a television.
Gale, of Lower Henley Road, committed the three offences in the early hours of May 15, 2010, when he was 19.
The court heard how he had known his victim, from whom he demanded sex while he was in a jealous rage.
Gale kicked down the womanâs door at about 1am and made her perform a sex act before forcing himself on her.
He took the womanâs television when he left.
The court heard Gale had 18 previous convictions for 30 offences, including assault, possessing offensive weapons and having underage sex.
John Simmons, defending, said Gale had suffered a troubled home life with his father dying when he was young and another father figure later in his life being imprisoned for drug taking.
He had also witnessed domestic violence at home.
There had also been periods of homelessness in Galeâs life where he had slept in hostels and on friendsâ sofas.
Mr Simmons said Gale also suffered from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Referring to a pre-sentence report written for the court, Mr Simmons said: âMany of the personality traits displayed by Mr Gale are those commonly found in young men who have endured a dysfunctional upbringing.â He said Gale had used the time he had been on remand to work in the dining hall of the prison, had completed a number of courses and had signed up for more.
Sentencing Gale on Friday, June 24, Judge Zoe Smith said the acts committed on May 15 last year had been intended to âexert power and controlâ over the woman, who cannot be identified for legal reasons.
She said: âThe court considers, having regard to your past history, a track record of past and present offending, that you do pose a significant risk of causing serious harm to others.â Judge Smith sentenced Gale to six years imprisonment for each count of rape to run concurrently and nine months for theft to run consecutively.
She said he could only be considered for release after serving half the term, less the 360 days already spent in custody.
Judge Smith also ordered Gale to be placed on the sex offender register.
