IAN COULL SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS FOR SERIAL SEXUAL OFFENSES IN TEESSIDE
In January 2011, Ian Coull was sentenced to 15 years in prison for his role as a serial sex attacker, a verdict that comes after a court heard detailed accounts from his victims.One of his three rape victims described him as “the devil,” as the court was told that Coull, 32, raped and assaulted three young women between 2004 and 2009, while others had believed him to be “the perfect gentleman.” Prosecutor Sarah Mallett outlined how he subjected vulnerable women to degrading sexual abuse and gratuitous violence.
She explained that the assaults left a permanent impact on the victims, describing the first victim’s ordeal: he raped her while she was sleeping, assaulted her, and left her with a black eye and a burst lip.
During the trial at Teesside Crown Court, she described him as a “sexual predator and a beast,” calling him “the devil.” A second woman was also physically attacked, sexually abused, and repeatedly raped by Coull.
He forced socks into her mouth, raped her, and then behaved as if nothing had happened.
On another occasion, she awoke to find him raping her, and he had used a cushion over her face to silence her cries.
The third victim was strangled, and Coull put his fingers down her throat during one attack.
The court was told he appeared to enjoy her distress during the rapes, indicating a sadistic streak.
Coull also sexually assaulted a fourth woman once, groping her before she retaliated by punching him in the face.
The case was initiated after Coull's arrest on suspicion of a separate rape near Rossmere Way, Hartlepool, for which another man was later convicted and imprisoned.
Coull, of Moffat Road, Hartlepool, denied all charges.
Nonetheless, a jury found him guilty of five rapes and one sexual assault in September 2010, while clearing him of three other rape charges.
A psychiatric evaluation described him as a high risk for reoffending but noted he did not have a mental or personality disorder, nor did he exhibit psychopathic traits.
The report identified a “deviant interest in sadistic sexual acts.” Defence QC Nicholas Atkinson stated, “You’re not dealing with a serial rapist.
He recognises he hasn’t behaved towards women as he should.” He described Coull as a “cable puller” who “displayed insensitivity which becomes criminal,” while acknowledging some responsibility and his willingness to undertake a sex offender treatment program.
The court considered references from women who had known Coull for years with no sexual misconduct, describing him as a “perfect gentleman,” a good man, and a good father.
Judgment was delivered by Judge John Walford, who emphasized that Coull posed a significant risk of serious harm.
He decided that a life sentence or indefinite detention was not necessary but sentenced Coull to 15 years in prison.
He will serve half of this term behind bars, followed by an eight-year license period upon release.
Coull was also ordered to adhere to a sexual offences prevention order and will be registered as a sex offender for life.
