POLICE CAUGHT 'VIOLENT' RAPIST AS HE TRIED TO RUN AWAY
A violent man has been jailed after raping a woman and later trying to run away from police.Harley Wardell, 27, fled from officers when a member of the public heard a woman screaming and rang 999.
Police responded quickly when the alarm was raised at 9am in July last year when they spotted him running away from the scene.
Wardell, of Flixborough, near Scunthorpe, subjected a woman to horrific abuse.
He has now been sentenced to nine years in prison, with an extended licence of three years, following a sentencing hearing at Grimsby Crown Court this week.
He pleaded guilty to rape and intentional strangulation when he appeared at court last month.
Judge Gurdial Singh imposed an extended sentence on licence because of the danger Wardell poses to women.
His conviction follows a thorough investigation by officers from the Humberside Police Domestic Abuse Safeguarding Investigation Team, after responding to a 999 call from a concerned member of the public.
At around 9am on Tuesday, July 23 last year, officers were called to an address in Scunthorpe following reports of screaming and shouting.
On arrival, they spoke with a distressed woman through an upstairs window.
As officers attempted to gain entry, a man was seen attempting to flee the property but was detained following a brief chase.
He was later identified as Wardell.
It was revealed that, during the morning, Wardell had become extremely violent towards the woman, attempting to strangle her.
The court heard that, when speaking to police officers, the woman bravely disclosed that Wardell had subjected her to physical, sexual, and emotional abuse.
She described being threatened with weapons, punched and kicked.
Inspector Jayne Coutts from Humberside Police Domestic Abuse Safeguarding Investigation Team described Wardell as "violent" and said his "actions are deeply disturbing", adding: "Although they cannot be undone, I hope this result provides some measure of relief that he has been held accountable.
“The courage shown by the woman in speaking out about her experience has been remarkable, and I sincerely commend her for her strength throughout this understandably very difficult process.
“Our officers carried out a thorough investigation, including the review of distressing messages and evidence that supported the charges brought against him.
“Our specialist trained officers work closely with partner and support agencies across the region to support victims and survivors.
When ready, we urge victims to come forward and tell someone.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of domestic abuse or sexual crimes, you can report via our non-emergency number 101.
Always call 999 in an emergency or if a crime is ongoing.
If you are in danger and cannot talk on the phone, call 999 and listen to the questions from the operator, and if you can, cough or tap on the handset to reply.
You can also press 55 on your handset to make yourself heard and this will transfer your call directly to the police.
Alternatively, if you wish to remain anonymous, you can report information to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
