WIDNES MAN JOSH CORLESS SENTENCED TO 13 YEARS FOR MULTIPLE SEXUAL OFFENSES DESPITE POLICE INVESTIGATION
| Red Rose Database
Widnes Rapist
In a case that has shocked the community of Widnes and the surrounding areas, Josh Corless, a 23-year-old man from Widnes, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 13 years after being convicted of two serious sexual offenses. The court proceedings, held at Liverpool Crown Court, revealed a disturbing pattern of behavior by Corless, who demonstrated a blatant disregard for the law and the well-being of his victims.
Corless’s criminal actions spanned over several months, during which he committed a heinous rape of a university student and later, a sexual assault involving a 16-year-old girl. What makes his case particularly alarming is that he carried out his second assault despite being under police investigation for the first incident. This brazen attitude towards the law and his victims was highlighted during the trial, where the judge described Corless as showing “no regret, remorse or shame” for his actions.
The first incident occurred after the victim, a university student, had been out with friends in Ormskirk. Corless, who had initially offered to help her get home, soon began to make unwelcome sexual advances. Despite her clear attempts to reject his advances, Corless persisted, even reportedly stating to her, “I’m going to have sex with you.” The situation escalated when he overpowered her and committed a rape. The victim reported the assault to the police the following morning. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) stated that Corless was subsequently arrested, interviewed, charged, and released on bail. However, during this period, he shamelessly lied to friends, claiming that the police investigation was false and that his victim was making false allegations. Judge Gary Woodhall noted that Corless even contacted one of his friends to falsely claim that the victim was under police investigation for making a false report.
Six months after the first assault, Corless was involved in another disturbing incident, this time targeting a 16-year-old girl. He had previously spoken with her and arranged to meet. During their meeting, he took her to a woodland area and instructed her to have sex with one of his friends, a man described as vulnerable. When the girl refused, Corless threatened her with violence. Under duress, she engaged in non-consensual sex with the man, while Corless recorded the act on his phone. The footage was later shared on the social media platform TikTok, which led to the victim being alerted by someone who saw the video. This individual then contacted the police, leading to Corless’s arrest.
Corless faced multiple charges, including causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent and the distribution of indecent images of children. He admitted to sharing indecent images but denied the other charges until the trial commenced. After the victim’s testimony in the first case, Corless pleaded guilty to the rape of the university student. In the second case, he was found guilty of the sexual assault involving the 16-year-old girl, while the other man involved was acquitted of rape.
During the sentencing, Judge Woodhall emphasized Corless’s lack of remorse, citing his conduct during court appearances and subsequent statements to probation officers. The judge expressed concern that Corless showed no understanding or empathy for his victims and was at high risk of reoffending. As a result, he was sentenced to 13 years in prison, reflecting the severity of his crimes and the danger he poses to the community of Widnes and beyond.
Corless’s criminal actions spanned over several months, during which he committed a heinous rape of a university student and later, a sexual assault involving a 16-year-old girl. What makes his case particularly alarming is that he carried out his second assault despite being under police investigation for the first incident. This brazen attitude towards the law and his victims was highlighted during the trial, where the judge described Corless as showing “no regret, remorse or shame” for his actions.
The first incident occurred after the victim, a university student, had been out with friends in Ormskirk. Corless, who had initially offered to help her get home, soon began to make unwelcome sexual advances. Despite her clear attempts to reject his advances, Corless persisted, even reportedly stating to her, “I’m going to have sex with you.” The situation escalated when he overpowered her and committed a rape. The victim reported the assault to the police the following morning. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) stated that Corless was subsequently arrested, interviewed, charged, and released on bail. However, during this period, he shamelessly lied to friends, claiming that the police investigation was false and that his victim was making false allegations. Judge Gary Woodhall noted that Corless even contacted one of his friends to falsely claim that the victim was under police investigation for making a false report.
Six months after the first assault, Corless was involved in another disturbing incident, this time targeting a 16-year-old girl. He had previously spoken with her and arranged to meet. During their meeting, he took her to a woodland area and instructed her to have sex with one of his friends, a man described as vulnerable. When the girl refused, Corless threatened her with violence. Under duress, she engaged in non-consensual sex with the man, while Corless recorded the act on his phone. The footage was later shared on the social media platform TikTok, which led to the victim being alerted by someone who saw the video. This individual then contacted the police, leading to Corless’s arrest.
Corless faced multiple charges, including causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent and the distribution of indecent images of children. He admitted to sharing indecent images but denied the other charges until the trial commenced. After the victim’s testimony in the first case, Corless pleaded guilty to the rape of the university student. In the second case, he was found guilty of the sexual assault involving the 16-year-old girl, while the other man involved was acquitted of rape.
During the sentencing, Judge Woodhall emphasized Corless’s lack of remorse, citing his conduct during court appearances and subsequent statements to probation officers. The judge expressed concern that Corless showed no understanding or empathy for his victims and was at high risk of reoffending. As a result, he was sentenced to 13 years in prison, reflecting the severity of his crimes and the danger he poses to the community of Widnes and beyond.