GARETH HUTCHINSON JAILED FOR TEN YEARS FOR LEIGH RAPE
Gareth Stephen Hutchinson, aged 31, of HMP Liverpool, was found guilty of rape, attempted rape, two counts of sexual assault by penetration, making threats to kill and causing actual bodily harm, following a four-day trial at Liverpool Crown Court.Today he was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court to spend 10 years in prison.
He has also been ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely.
On 4 February 2011, Hutchinson and his girlfriend had been out celebrating a friend’s birthday and spent the night at a friend's house in Leigh.
The next day, Hutchinson left the house for a few hours and returned accusing his girlfriend of sleeping with a lodger.
He then subjected her to a brutal sexual assault, raping her and then strangling her, even placing a pillow over her face.
At one point, he put a knife in her mouth.
Hutchinson attempted to rape her again but was interrupted by someone entering the house.
He threatened to ‘stab everyone’ if she disclosed what happened.
She was forced to stay in the house overnight, and early the next morning, she fled and contacted her family and the police.
While in prison, Hutchinson called his victim, threatening her with 12 years if she testified, expressing love and hope for reconciliation.
The victim's impact statement described how Hutchinson raped and sexually abused her during hours of terror.
Detective Constable Rob Kitchen emphasized Hutchinson's manipulation and the emotional scars left on the victim, highlighting her bravery in coming forward.
Hutchinson was sentenced to concurrent terms: 10 years for rape, 4 years for attempted rape, 6 years for sexual assault by penetration, 5 years for a second sexual assault, 2 years for threats to kill, and 1 year for causing actual bodily harm.
The court orders and encouraging messages for victims are included, as well as contact information for assistance.
