Whitehaven man jailed for rape

A man from Whitehaven has been sentenced today (Jan 13) to nine years in prison for rape following a trial at Carlisle Crown Court in which he was found guilty.

Gary Griffiths, 51, of Rudds Court, Whitehaven was sentenced for:

Rape of a girl

Attempting to rape a girl

Engaging in sexual activity in presence of a child

Two counts of offender over 18 engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl

The offences relate to incidents against a girl that occurred in June 2021.

Griffiths was also given a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO)

Detective Constable Gail Penman said “I would urge anyone who has been subject to offences of this nature to come forward.

“It is understandably difficult and distressing for victims of sexual abuse to talk about what happened to them and any reports we receive will be taken seriously and will be dealt with professionally and sensitively.

“The Constabulary works closely with trusted partner agencies to provide the appropriate support which is tailored to an individual’s circumstances.

“Sexual assaults will not be tolerated by Cumbria Constabulary, and we will do everything within our power to hold them accountable for their actions and bring them to justice.

“I would encourage anyone who has been victim to a sexual offence to contact police so that our officers can investigate. You will be supported throughout our investigation.”

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