Leeds rapist jailed as victim reveals devastating impact of his crimes

A Leeds man has been jailed for 19 years for a string of offences against women, including rape, assault by penetration, coercive and controlling behaviour and stalking.

Dale Knights, 33, from Leeds, was sentenced at Leeds Crown Court on Thursday (Oct 1) after being convicted of two counts of rape and two counts of assault by penetration.

He was also convicted of engaging in coercive and controlling behaviour with two other women and pleaded guilty to a further offence of stalking.

Knights received a total sentence of 19 years.

Following the case, one of his victims described the lasting impact his crimes have had on her life.

She said: "The trial is now over, but for me, what happened has not ended. I have to live with the consequences every day.

"Since the crimes took place, I have suffered greatly with anxiety, depression and fear. I struggle with busy places such as supermarkets, city centres, parties and large events.

“I can become overwhelmed, shut down and experience panic attacks and seizures. There have been times when I have had to leave events, cancel plans and rely on other people to do things that I would previously have done without thinking."

Detective Constable Kieren Overton, of Leeds Adult Safeguarding, who investigated Knights’ offending, said: "The offences committed by Knights, for which he has shown no remorse, were horrific and have had a long-lasting impact on his victims. I hope they have gained some comfort and closure in the long sentence he will be serving.

"I would like to praise the victims in this case for having the bravery to come forward and report their experiences to us, and the strength of character to see this through the court process.

"These women are an inspiration to others, and I would urge anyone who is a victim of sexual abuse, or who is concerned about someone else, to report it to us.

"We have specially-trained and dedicated safeguarding officers based here in Leeds who will listen to victims and take their concerns seriously."