Rapist who is 'significant risk' to women weeps as he's jailed for 18 years

RAPIST WHO IS 'SIGNIFICANT RISK' TO WOMEN WEEPS AS HE'S JAILED FOR 18 YEARS

A rapist who presents a “significant risk” of harm to women wept as he was jailed for 18 years.

Lee Barker, 47, raped his two victims just six months apart, carrying out his crimes in the Looe area five years ago.

Barker appeared via video link at Truro Crown Court for sentencing last Friday (November 28) after being found guilty of three counts of rape by a jury on October 16.

Prosecutor Heather Hope told the court that one victim described how the first offence took place after Barker gave her alcohol she now believes had been spiked.

Barker, who has a previous conviction for rape, told her that same evening about his past offence, also mentioning he kept a knife beside the bed.

The second offence occurred in the victim's own home, despite her not wanting Barker to come inside.

She described how Barker “love bombed her” and they engaged in sexual activity, but she did not consent to the sexual acts and was forced.

Barker, who has a history of depression, stated that his circumstances worsened his illness.

The psychiatric report suggested his “increasing age” could be a protective factor in terms of danger.

His Honour Judge Simon Carr noted the offenses were “strikingly similar” and that Barker’s previous conviction for rape in 2012 shows a clear attitude towards consent.

Despite Barker's age, he posed a “significant risk and substantial harm” to women he might meet in the future.

Barker, who wept during sentencing, received a 26-year extended sentence consisting of 18 years in prison and an eight-year extended license.

He will also remain on the sex offenders register indefinitely.