A man has been jailed for 12 years for multiple offences including rape and sexual assault.

John Crawford, 35, of St Vincent Street, Barrow, was sentenced at Preston Crown Court for:

  • Rape of a female
  • Sexual assault by penetration on a female
  • Committing an offence with intent to commit a sexual offence
  • Sexual assault
  • Common assault

The offences relate to incidents against two women which occurred between February 2015 and February 2020.

Crawford will serve a minimum of two thirds of his sentence before being eligible for release on licence. He is considered a dangerous offender and will be subject to the sex offenders register for life.

Investigating officer Sergeant Kerry-Anne Travis said: “I would like to thank the two victims for their bravery in reporting these offences.

“Sexual violence can have a devastating impact on victims and their families.  We would encourage any person who may have experienced such incidents to report the matter to police. We have specially trained officers to investigate and support you throughout.

“I would like to give special thanks to the Bridgeway Sexual Assault Referral Clinic (SARC). They provide an invaluable service to victims of sexual offences who may not wish to report sexual offences directly to police. Victims can self-refer to the SARC and will be supported by a specialist team.”

A spokesperson from the Bridgeway Sexual Assault Referral Clinic said: “We will support any adult who reports sexual violence, even if they're not ready to involve the police at that time.

“Clients have the option to have the examination, allowing them the opportunity to have some time to decide their next steps without missing any forensic timescales, should the client later decide to report to the police.

“At the Bridgeway SARC we offer a forensic medical examination that includes documenting any injuries and also taking forensic swabs.

“The client was supported by our partnership services throughout”.

WHAT SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE?

A list of services available in your postcode area are summarised here: https://sexualviolencesupport.co.uk/

HOW DO I REPORT TO POLICE?

If you wish to report to police, you can do so online at www.cumbria.police.uk/report-it

You can also phone on 101.

Always phone 999 in an emergency or if a crime is in progress.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.