Scarborough man jailed after sexually assaulting and strangling his victim

37 year old Craig Anthony Robert Welsh from Eastfield has been given a seven year sentence

Author: Kathy GreenPublished 26th Jun 2024

A Scarborough man has been jailed after being found guilty of rape and non-fatal strangulation.

Craig Anthony Robert Welsh, 37, previously of High Street, Eastfield, was jailed for seven years by York Crown Court on Wednesday 26 June 2024.

Following a trial at which he pleaded not guilty, a jury found him guilty of both offences that took place last year.

Speaking after sentence, investigating officer, Detective Constable Tracey Brewster of Scarborough CID, said: "Welsh denied the offences during police interviews and subjected his already traumatised victim to the ordeal of a court trial.

"She has shown courage and strength in reporting the crimes and providing the evidence to help secure justice. Welsh is a danger to women and is now rightfully serving a prison sentence for what he has done.

"While the lasting affects of the ordeal are traumatic and life-changing for the victim, I hope she can draw some strength from the outcome at court."

Welsh was also issued with a 15-year restraining order and will be on the sex offenders register indefinitely.

Reporting sexual offences and seeking professional support

North Yorkshire Police

Make a report via the website or call 101, option 4 and speak to the Force Control Room.

If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, always dial 999 for an emergency response.

Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC)

Victims who would prefer not to go direct to the police and are not in immediate danger, can contact Bridge House, North Yorkshire?s Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), on 0330 223 0362, email bridgehouse.sarc@nhs.net or go to www.bridgehousesarc.org/

You can also contact the Supporting Victims in North Yorkshire at www.supportingvictims.org or call 01609 643100.

NSPCC Helpline

Anyone concerned about a child can contact the NSPCC Helpline for advice on 0808 800 5000. Adult victims of non-recent sexual abuse can also get in touch for support.

Childline is available for young people on 0800 1111 or at childline.org.uk

First for all the latest news from across the UK every hour on Hits Radio on DAB, at hitsradio.co.uk and on the Rayo app.