A PREDATORY AND DANGEROUS RAPIST WHO THOUGHT OF HIS VICTIMS AS ‘LESS THAN HUMAN’ HAS BEEN SENTENCED TO 13 YEARS AND SIX MONTHS
A notorious and violent rapist, who considered his victims to be ‘less than human,’ has been sentenced to 13 years and six months today, Friday 12 December.Fred Florence, 51, of Katherines Walk in Ledbury, was brought before Hereford Crown Court, where he showed no remorse for his crimes.
Florence, who was already serving a seven years and six months sentence after being convicted earlier this year in June for a severe GBH assault committed in 2016, received additional sentencing today.
The court ordered 13 years and six months for his rape conviction, to be served consecutively after his existing sentence.
He will also serve a five-year licence upon release, reflecting his classification as a highly dangerous offender.
Furthermore, Florence was sentenced to three years for each of two old sexual offences involving children, with these sentences to run at the same time as the other sentences.
Legally, he is required to serve at least two-thirds of his combined 21-year total, which means he will not be eligible for parole before 2039.
He will also be subjected to lifelong registration on the sex offenders’ register.
Detective Constable Sarah Carroll from OCSET expressed her views: “We are glad the court acknowledged the vile nature of Florence’s sexual crimes, which have caused ongoing pain to his victims.
Although they may never fully recover, this conviction can mark a step towards healing.
“His Honour Judge Jackson described Florence as a predatory and selfish bully who dehumanised his victims, revealing a shocking attitude.
His manipulation and intimidation kept victims silent for many years, and we believe others may still be afraid to report.
We urge anyone who suspects they were impacted or has information about Florence’s offences to contact Hereford CID at 101.
“The bravery shown by the victims in coming forward is truly admirable, and their evidence has led to Florence’s long-term imprisonment.
We thank them for their courage.”
