JAMES MCNUTT'S HORRIFIC RAPE AND VIOLENCE IN BIRMINGHAM

In a disturbing case that has shocked the Birmingham community, James McNutt, a man with a long history of domestic violence, was convicted of a brutal assault and rape that took place last August. The victim, a woman he met through a dating app, endured a harrowing ordeal that showcased McNutt’s violent and manipulative nature.

The attack unfolded in a terrifying sequence of events. According to reports, McNutt, 33 years old and known to have a history of violent behavior, assaulted the woman in her own home. The assault began with him hitting her across the mouth using her own mobile phone, a move that left her in shock. He then proceeded to smash a glass over her head, causing visible injuries, before stamping on her and attempting to strangle her in a bid to exert control and inflict harm.

The violence escalated further when McNutt raped her during this brutal attack. The woman, in a desperate bid to survive, played dead, which ultimately caused him to cease his assault. Her quick thinking and resilience were instrumental in her survival and later helped law enforcement authorities apprehend her attacker.

Police officials have praised the victim for her courage, emphasizing that her bravery was crucial in bringing McNutt to justice. The investigation revealed that McNutt had initially met the woman in April 2018. Over time, his behavior became increasingly controlling and aggressive. He would often slap her and seize her mobile phone to prevent her from contacting others, demonstrating a pattern of coercive control that had been ongoing for years.

Despite being under a domestic violence prevention order—which explicitly prohibited him from contacting the woman—McNutt persisted in pursuing her. In August, he convinced her to meet him under the false pretense of retrieving photographs. Once together, he pestered her and then launched a violent assault, taking her handbag to prevent her from leaving. The situation worsened when he managed to enter her home without permission, initiating the violent attack that culminated in rape.

Following the assault, McNutt attempted to smother the woman with a pillow, leaving her in fear for her life. She managed to survive by pretending to be unresponsive, a tactic that ultimately saved her from further harm. During the court proceedings, McNutt admitted to coercive control, acknowledging the pattern of abuse he inflicted.

McNutt, who has no fixed address, was convicted of rape after a trial at Birmingham Crown Court. His criminal record includes previous convictions for domestic violence, and he was sentenced to 13 years in prison on Thursday, 28 March. The case highlights the severity of his violent behavior and the danger he posed to his victim.

PC Tom Parrott from the force’s public protection unit commented on the case, stating, “McNutt is a manipulative and violent bully. He ignored the restrictions put on him as he was confident of the level of control he had over his victim.” The authorities hope that this conviction will serve as a warning to others about the consequences of domestic violence and abuse.