PAUL KENNEDY FROM FEATHERSTONE AND HARTLEPOOL SENTENCED FOR TERRIFYING CRIMES IN MIDDLESBROUGH

In a case that has shocked the local community and highlighted the dangers faced by vulnerable women, Paul Kennedy, a 38-year-old man originally from Featherstone and with ties to Hartlepool, was sentenced to a lengthy prison term following a series of brutal crimes committed in Middlesbrough's red light district.

Kennedy's reign of terror lasted approximately three months, during which he targeted four prostitutes, subjecting them to terrifying assaults that involved the use of a knife and the application of tape to blindfold them. His actions prompted police warnings to the 150 sex workers operating in Middlesbrough, cautioning them to be vigilant and avoid being picked up by a dangerous individual driving a distinctive red 4×4 vehicle.

One of Kennedy's victims, a 20-year-old blonde woman, recounted her harrowing experience during his trial at Teesside Crown Court. She described how Kennedy initially appeared to be a benign client but quickly turned aggressive, threatening her with a knife and placing tape over her eyes. She revealed that Kennedy ran the blade down her breast to her stomach, causing her significant distress. After forcing her to have sex with him, Kennedy demanded his £40 fee back before ejecting her from his vehicle, a Vauxhall Frontera.

Kennedy, who was divorced and often visited Middlesbrough while traveling from his home on Manor Drive, Featherstone, was known to cruise the red light area during visits to Teesside, where he had two sons. He instructed the women not to look back at his vehicle until he sounded his horn, a command that was ultimately ignored by one of his victims' boyfriends. The boyfriend managed to note Kennedy's registration number, which proved crucial in his eventual arrest.

When police stopped Kennedy on the M62, they discovered a lockknife in his vehicle, providing further evidence of his violent intent. His arrest marked the conclusion of a disturbing campaign of violence and intimidation, which Kennedy claimed was limited to a single encounter with the last prostitute he picked up, intended as a test of his desire to remain single or settle down with a new partner.

During his trial, Kennedy admitted to only one sexual encounter with a prostitute, asserting it was a one-time event. However, he was convicted of multiple charges, including the robbery and rape of two women, indecent assault, and attempted robbery of another victim. The court also found him guilty of robbing a fourth woman.

Judge Peter Fox, QC, delivered a stern judgment after the verdicts, describing Kennedy's actions as a series of terrifying ordeals inflicted upon his victims. The judge emphasized the use of masking tape and a knife, which caused both physical and psychological scars. He condemned Kennedy's apparent deep-seated perversion, contempt, and antipathy towards the women, noting that despite Kennedy's previous good character, he posed a long-term danger to vulnerable young women.

As part of his sentence, Kennedy was ordered to register as a sex offender for life. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison for the rapes and robberies, with an additional ten years concurrently for attempted robbery and indecent assault. Upon release, Kennedy will remain under supervision for the duration of his sentence, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his conduct and potential risk to the community.