Sleaford rapist given extended sentence at Northampton Crown Court

A man convicted of three rapes and multiple sexual assaults has been given an extended prison sentence.

Luke Yates, 23, formerly of Wallis Street in Sleaford has been sentenced to 10 years imprisonment and a further three on licence.

Officers in Northamptonshire were called by a woman on March 9, 2022 who reported that Yates had raped and sexually assaulted her after coming round to fix her boiler.

During the investigation, on July 19, 2022, the force received a second report about Yates from a 16-year-old girl.

She told officers that he had raped her during their first meeting, following contact on messaging app Snapchat.

Yates went on to be charged with two counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration, and one count of sexual assault against the first victim, and one count of rape and one count of assault by penetration against the second.

Following a trial at Northampton Crown Court, Yates was found guilty on January 30, and returned to the same court on April 29 for sentencing. He was handed an extended sentence totalling 13 years.

Speaking afterwards, Detective Constable Hayley Reed, who investigated the initial report against Yates, said: “I am thrilled for the two survivors that Luke Yates has not only been found guilty by a jury for what he put them through, but has been given an extended sentence which recognises the severity of his offending against them.

“Their courage in reporting his abhorrent and entitled actions was significant, and they have held themselves with such dignity and strength throughout the investigation, supporting the court process at every step. I am so proud of them both.”

Detective Constable Adam Kelly, who investigated the second report, added: “Both survivors have shown incredible bravery in giving evidence in the initial phases of our investigations and in court.

“The whole process has been very emotionally impactful. In showing such immense strength and seeing the case through trial they have ensured a dangerous sexual predator is now recognised as such and rightfully deprived of his liberty for a significant time.

“I hope this outcome provides them with a sense of justice and helps them move forward with a sense of pride in their bravery and determination.”