Rapist who attacked woman with an axe is jailed for 20 years
Accrington man Mark Yeates pleaded guilty to the attack
Last updated 8th Aug 2022
A dangerous rapist who attacked a woman with an axe has been given a sentence totalling 20 years following an investigation by Lancashire Police.
Lancashire Police were called to called to an address in Accrington at 10.26am on February 28 to reports a woman had been subjected to a serious sexual assault.
The victim was hit to the head with an axe before being tied up and raped.
The defendant – 51-year-old Mark Yeates – was quickly identified as the prime suspect and arrested later the same day.
Yeates, of Nuttall Street, Accrington, answered no comment to all questions put to him during police interview.
Appearing at Burnley Crown Court earlier this year he pleaded guilty to three counts of rape and a Section 47 Assault.
He appeared back at the Preston Crown Court today (August 8) where he was sentenced to 12 years custody with a further eight years on extended licence. That was after Judge Ian Unsworth QC deemed Yeates to pose a risk to the public via his attitude towards women.
Yeates was also ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.
DC Jo Billington, of the East Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (RASSO) Team, said: “Mark Yeates is a wicked and cruel individual who – as recognised by the Judge – poses a real risk of further offending towards woman. I am pleased with the sentence handed down to him, which reflects his dangerousness. Even once he is eventually released, Yeates will continue to be monitored by the authorities.
“I would like to praise the victim in this case for her bravery. I hope the courage she has shown - and the significant sentence imposed in this case - will encourage other victims of sexual offences to come forward. They can do so knowing they will be believed and listened to and that Lancashire Police will use all the resources at our resources to bring the perpetrator to justice.”
Lancashire Police is committed to protecting women and girls from violence of all forms. If you have been the victim of a crime call 101 or report it here: https://doitonline.lancashire.police.uk/ For crimes in progress always call 999.
ENDS