Man rebuffed by woman raped her sister as she was sleeping
A DRUNKEN man rejected by a woman at whom he made a pass went on to rape her sister as she was sleeping.
Simon Harris was staying at the house where the two sisters had decided to sleep over, Derby Crown Court heard.
-
Simon Harris
Martin Hurst, for the prosecution, said when one of the sisters changed her mind and decided to go home, Harris offered to walk with her.
He tried to kiss her but was turned down.
Harris, 21, of Frederick Avenue, Alvaston, went back to the house and got into bed with the other sister.
The rape lasted for a few seconds and, when the woman jumped out of bed and left, Harris did not try to restrain her.
She called her boyfriend and father and Harris was arrested.
Jailing Harris for three years, Judge David Pugsley said: "This was an offence of drunken lust by a person who, I am satisfied by the psychologist's report, was sexually immature.
"There was a time when judges were rather more brisk and robust and sometimes said women had been raped at the time and raped in court by vicious cross-examinations.
"You're going to get credit for owning up to this and saving the woman from the hurt and humiliation of coming to court.
"I believe the risk you pose – and hope you don't prove me wrong – is very small because I think this is out of character. You are someone, I think, who can come out of prison and put this behind you."
Harris was ordered not to contact the woman and to sign the sex offenders' register for life.
Alwyn Jones, in mitigation, said: "It's out of character for him and he expresses shame and remorse.
"He is sexually inexperienced and relatively naive for a young man of his age."
Mr Jones said Harris, who admitted rape, had already got in touch with an organisation that helps people address alcohol problems.
12 Comments
View all
by Rams Fan, Oakwood
Friday, September 03 2010, 9:52PM
“Steve.
I'm not denying the anguish suffered by the victim, but when you consider these offences:
http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/news/Paedophile-sex-girl-13-persuading-dad-OK-trip/article-1479229-detail/article.html
http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/news/Man-52-jailed-devastating-sexual-abuse-little-girl/article-1516232-detail/article.html
http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/news/Molester-assaulted-kids/article-1370983-detail/article.html
http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/news/Predatory-paedophile-jailed-attacking-girls/article-2457242-detail/article.html
http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/news/Pervert-trapped-cops-web-sting/article-734828-detail/article.html
..then you can see that the sentence is about right to the standards of sentencing of the courts. Ask if I agree with a woman solicitor who stole small amounts from lots of clients getting the same jail time as a rapist or a paedophile and the answer is a resounding 'No' BUT..
the sentence handed down reflects the circumstances of the case when compared to other sexual crimes.”
by Steve, Derby
Friday, September 03 2010, 9:32PM
“Here is the problem I have........and it is outlined clearly in your lack of understanding of how victims of rape deal with such a vile crime. You say "Undoubtedly this was a horrible experience for the woman". Whilst I agree to a point I can tell you that the mental pain experienced by victims of rape continues far beyond the actual crime. This is never taken into account when sentencing the offender but can remain with the victim for many years. What does seem to be taken into account regularly are acts of contrition before the court which result in derisory sentencing therefore offering no deterrent at all. Some rape cases never get to court because of the deep feelings of shame experienced by victims who do not feel able to go through having to relive the experience of the crime in front of judge and jury. Before you ask I do speak with the experience of someone who was employed in a job where I dealt with victims of rape.”
by Rams Fan, Oakwood
Friday, September 03 2010, 8:31PM
“Steve, what is your problem?!!
The judge take into consideration the lack of violence in the rape with the sentencing, yet here you are, having read thirty-odd lines of reporting, telling me different.
*Undoubtedly* this was a horrible experience for the woman.
*Undoubtedly* this was not consensual sex and therefore rape.
The rapist was sent to prison.
What's *your* beef with it? Or is it just because it's me commenting, you fancy a cheap shot and this is the best you can muster? Pathetic.”
by Steve, Derby
Friday, September 03 2010, 7:27PM
“You seem to think that the fact that he did not use physical violence in some way mitigates his actions so I do see your contribution as objectionable. It is very clear from your contribution and reaction exactly what kind of person you really are.”
by Rams Fan, Oakwood
Friday, September 03 2010, 7:12PM
“Steve:
I meant 'violence' as in 'violence'... do you speak English at all?
*Violence:*
an act of aggression (as one against a person who resists); "he may accomplish by craft in the long run what he cannot do by force and violence in the short one"
ferocity: the property of being wild or turbulent; "the storm's violence"
a turbulent state resulting in injuries and destruction etc.
I hope you're not expecting me to teach you all the words you don't know.. perhaps you might buy a dictionary (dik~shun~aer~eee) to prevent further instances of embarrassment.
It's perfectly clear what I meant, the English is perfect; if you want to try for 'Shining Knight' then perhaps you should wait for someone to contribute something objectionable instead of making stuff up.”