Birmingham man who raped 20-year-old woman is jailed

A convicted rapist has left a young woman ‘grieving the freedom’ she felt before he violated her.

Luke Sargent had already been convicted of raping a 15-year-old girl in Rushall on Christmas Day of 2011. He was sentenced to six years in prison with a three-year extended licence, but in the early hours of 8 June the 31-year-old struck again.

CCTV shows he had spent some time following groups of women before targeting her in Selly Oak. He grabbed a 20-year-old woman as she made her way home and dragged her into a property which was being renovated. He threatened to slit her throat before violently raping her.

Investigating officer DC Andy Carnall said: “It is testament to the young woman that she bravely reported what had happened to her.

“She convinced her attacker she would keep quiet for £20 hoping the note would contain his DNA, and remembered as much detail as she could, enabling her to pick him out on an ID parade.”

Sargent was arrested after being spotted by officers making enquiries with builders at the renovation site. He matched the description the woman had given and was taken into custody. Doorbell footage was also recovered which revealed an audio recording of a man threatening to slit the woman’s throat.

At trial the jury heard a very emotional impact statement. She said: “I’ve since looked back at pictures of my friends and I out having fun the same night before I was attacked, and I just want to scream out to younger me to run, that she’s in danger, to go find safety, as she has no idea what she’s about to endure.

“I was just trying to walk home.”

Sargent, from Cadnam Close in Harborne in Birmingham, was jailed for 18 years with a minimum term of 12 years before he will be eligible to apply for parole and will remain on licence for life. He will also remain on the sex offender’s register for life.

What has West Midlands Police said?

DC Carnall added: “This is a significant sentence which reflects the danger Sargent poses. I commend the young woman for her tenacity and bravery during the investigation and trial.”

A spokesman for the force added: “If you’ve been subjected to a sexual assault, no matter how long ago, we have specialist officers to help you through the justice process. It’s important to note that victims of rape are protected by law and have live-long anonymity.

“We work with a range of support groups who can offer advice including The Survivors Trust, which is there to help survivors of sex crimes and their loved ones - they’re on 08088 010818.”

To find out more visit the website at https://www.west-midlands.police.uk/your-options/sexual-assault