Rapist's Family Heckle 'Horrible B******' as He Gets Life for Knifepoint Attack
Shane Liptrot, a 26-year-old man, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for a horrific knifepoint rape that left his victim traumatised and forced to make the heartbreaking decision to place her children into long-term foster care. The disturbing case, heard at Manchester Crown Court, saw Liptrot's own family members shout abuse at him as he was led to the cells after the verdict.
A Terrifying Home Invasion
The court heard how Liptrot repeatedly knocked on his victim's door in the early hours of June 7 last year, alerting the young woman inside. When she opened the door, he was holding a Stanley knife and began questioning her aggressively. Despite her attempts to deter him by falsely claiming her boyfriend was home, Liptrot ignored her pleas and barged his way into the property.
Once inside, Liptrot boasted that he was a drug dealer and rich, before ominously telling the woman she would be the first person he had sex with after being released from prison. He then proceeded to force himself upon her, initiating a prolonged and violent sexual assault.
The Victim's Harrowing Ordeal
During the attack, the victim tried to create distance, telling Liptrot, Please, you're really hurting me, can you leave my house. He exposed himself, and when she reiterated she did not want to have sex, he continued to grope her, took hold of her hair, and forced himself upon her. In a desperate attempt to distract him, she asked about his tattoo, to which he responded, Shut up, b***h.
Shockingly, the court was told the woman had to make calculations about the pain of the rape due to Liptrot's penis being so small. Judge Tom Gilbart remarked on the appalling nature of this detail. Liptrot then raped her without wearing a condom.
A Life Shattered by Crime
In a victim personal statement read to the court, the woman described how the attack had devastated her life. She had previously rebuilt herself after surviving a violent relationship, but this crime left her struggling with her mental health and unable to care for her children. As a result, she surrendered her tenancy and made the devastating decision to place her children in long-term foster care.
I lost my children because I was a victim of crime, she said. I was left thinking 'how could this happen to me when I was so close to getting my life back?' I cry myself to sleep every night. I lost everything, my home, my possessions, everything I worked so hard for. I live in constant fear, I'm not able to sleep in a house alone and I wake from nightmares reliving that night. It haunts me all the time.
She added that she blames herself for opening the door and is frightened of being confronted for speaking out, living in a state of exhaustion and isolation.
A Dangerous Offender with a Troubled Past
Liptrot had been released from a five-year jail term on June 5, having been convicted of four offences of robbery committed against a lone woman at night. He was arrested the day after the rape. The prosecution, led by Siôn ap Mihangel, noted that Liptrot targeted a lone woman and later blamed the victim, suggesting she was sexually uninhibited.
Desmond Lennon, defending, stated that Liptrot maintains his innocence and cannot accept the jury's verdicts. He highlighted Liptrot's significant difficulties in youth, including time in care, and noted he suffers from a personality disorder and depression. A probation report concluded Liptrot poses a high risk of serious harm to members of the public.
Sentencing and Family Outburst
Sentencing Liptrot as a dangerous offender, Judge Gilbart described the rape as deeply frightening and prolonged and noted a pattern of attacks on lone women at night. He cited a lack of remorse and self-management, and referenced a presentence report indicating Liptrot becomes sexually aroused when posing a threat, showing a significant risk of causing serious harm.
I am unable to foresee a time when you will not pose a risk to members of the public, Judge Gilbart stated.
Liptrot, of Anson Place, was jailed for life with a minimum term of 12 years and placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life. As he was led to the cells, a member of his family shouted, You horrible b******! underscoring the revulsion his actions have inspired even among those closest to him.
