DANIEL HOLLAND JAILED FOR RAPE AND SEXUAL OFFENCES IN NEWCASTLE AND BOURNEMOUTH

A man described as a 'monster' who preyed on women through dating apps has been sentenced to a total of 12 years and seven months behind bars. Daniel Holland, aged 39, was initially on police bail for a separate rape incident in southern England when he committed a similar assault on another woman in Newcastle, as detailed during his court hearing at Newcastle Crown Court.

Holland pleaded guilty to two counts of rape and to wounding the first woman, an attack that left her with broken ribs. In addition to his prison sentence, he received a concurrent one-year term for sending sexually explicit messages to what he believed was a 13-year-old girl, but who was actually an online child abuse investigation group. This group had set up a fake profile to catch online predators, leading to Holland’s arrest.

Holland, who has served as a harbour pilot for the Royal Navy for over two decades, was residing in the Bournemouth area at the time of the online messaging incident. Prosecutor Daniel Cordey explained that Holland contacted a Facebook profile of a girl and complimented her, calling her 'stunning.' Despite being informed that she was only 13 years old, Holland’s messages quickly turned sexual. He described in graphic detail the acts he wanted to perform and expressed his belief that she 'looked good in her school uniform.'

The profile Holland contacted was operated by the Online Child Safety Team, who promptly reported his activity to the police. Holland later told officers that his actions were merely 'drunken flirtation' and claimed he was unaware of the girl’s true age. He was convicted of this offence at Bournemouth Crown Court. However, before that case was finalized, Holland had already committed a serious assault in Newcastle.

In Newcastle, Holland met a woman through the dating app Plenty of Fish. He raped her and inflicted injuries that resulted in broken ribs. He was charged with rape and released on bail, after which he moved to the Newcastle area. Just one day after arriving in the North East, Holland targeted a second woman on Tinder, motivated by her perceived vulnerability, as stated by prosecutor Daniel Cordey. Within a week, he had raped her as well.

During the court proceedings, a statement from the first victim was read aloud. She described Holland as a 'monster' who left her in 'so much pain.' She revealed that she now requires ongoing counselling and antidepressants to cope with the trauma. The second woman also spoke, describing how her experience with Holland has transformed her into a 'totally different person.' She suffers from flashbacks and feelings of anger and frustration, highlighting the lasting impact of his actions.

Judge Edward Bindloss addressed the court, emphasizing that both women had initially trusted Holland through the dating apps but that their trust was ultimately betrayed. The judge stated that Holland posed a 'high risk of harm' to women and children and showed a blatant disregard for his victims. He criticized Holland’s selfishness and lack of remorse, describing his behaviour as indicative of a dangerous individual.

As a result of his dangerousness, Holland was sentenced to an extended licence period of five years upon his release. He was also made subject to a sexual harm prevention order that prohibits him from contacting children online. Additionally, he is required to register as a sex offender for life. Restraining orders were also issued to prevent him from contacting his victims, with these orders set to last for 15 years. Holland, who has no fixed address, was further ordered to comply with these restrictions to protect the community from further harm.