NEIL MCEVOY SENTENCED FOR RAPE AND ASSAULT IN PRESTON
A dangerous individual responsible for multiple serious crimes in Preston has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term.Neil McEvoy, aged 57 and residing on Grimshaw Street in the heart of Preston city centre, was convicted of a series of violent and sexual offences, including the rape of a 75-year-old woman and a sexual assault on a vulnerable 61-year-old woman.
His criminal activities also included a sustained assault that resulted in facial injuries to a man.
McEvoy pleaded guilty to several charges at Preston Crown Court, including rape, causing sexual activity without consent, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
The court sentenced him to an extended term of 20 years, which consists of a 15-year custodial sentence followed by a five-year licence extension.
This decision underscores the severity of his crimes and the danger he poses to the community.
During the sentencing, Judge Andrew Jefferies KC described McEvoy as a dangerous offender.
The judge also highlighted the defendant’s apparent lack of remorse and his attempts to minimize responsibility for his actions.
The court’s remarks reflect the gravity of the offences and the need to protect the public from further harm.
The first incident for which McEvoy was sentenced took place in July 2020 at his residence on Grimshaw Street.
On that occasion, McEvoy was drinking with the victim and another man.
As the evening progressed, McEvoy suddenly began physically assaulting the victim, launching a series of punches.
The attack persisted intermittently for approximately 90 minutes, during which McEvoy kicked, slapped, and even pinned the man against a wall.
The violence was severe and prolonged.
While authorities were investigating the assault, McEvoy committed another serious offence in November 2020.
He targeted a 61-year-old woman who was particularly vulnerable.
She had been shopping in Preston city centre and was sitting on a bench near McEvoy’s flat when he called her over.
He then invited her to his flat, where two other individuals were drinking.
After the two companions left, McEvoy carried out a sexual offence against the woman, exploiting her vulnerability.
The most heinous act occurred in May 2022, when McEvoy raped a 75-year-old woman.
The victim had been visiting two pubs in Preston and was on her way home when she encountered McEvoy, a stranger to her.
He approached her on the street and struck up a conversation, offering to walk her home.
She described him as pleasant and trustworthy, which led her to accept his offer.
Once at her flat, however, McEvoy’s demeanor changed dramatically.
His mood shifted from gentle to violent, and he proceeded to rape her.
The assault only ended when the victim managed to hit him with a hammer.
After the attack, she called emergency services, and McEvoy was arrested nearby.
Lancashire Police’s South Division Rape Investigation Team, led by DC Stephen Rotherham, expressed satisfaction with the outcome.
Rotherham stated, “I’m very pleased that Neil McEvoy is off the streets and I welcome the lengthy prison sentence imposed by Judge Jefferies.” He also thanked the response officers, Independent Sexual Violence Advocates, and the Crown Prosecution Service for their dedicated work in bringing McEvoy to justice.
Lancashire Police reaffirmed their commitment to thoroughly investigating all reports of rape and sexual offences, emphasizing that such cases are treated with the utmost trust and sensitivity.
