A "dangerous" sexual predator who raped two women in Cornwall and attempted to lie his way out of trouble has been jailed for nine years. Bradley Fitzpatrick, 22, of Kinsman Estate, Bodmin, was sentenced at Truro Crown Court on Thursday, September 24.
Attacks in an alleyway and woods
Fitzpatrick met the first woman, who was then in her late teens, at a garage in Bodmin in December 2021. He went on to rape and sexually assault her in an alleyway. She reported the ordeal to Devon and Cornwall Police, whose officers arrested Fitzpatrick.
He initially denied meeting her, but after being shown forensic evidence he changed his story and claimed in court that what happened was consensual. Detectives investigating a separate alleged offence found indecent images of children and sex with animals on his phone.
Second victim and further offences
Fitzpatrick met the second woman, also then in her late teens, in 2022. She was having sex with him on two occasions when she withdrew her consent, but he did not stop despite her saying no, raping her in a woods near Bodmin while he was on bail for the first attack. He later sexually assaulted the then teenager and again lied to police that she had consented.
He was found guilty of three charges of rape, three sexual assaults, two charges of sexual assault by penetration and one charge of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent. He also pleaded guilty to making indecent images of children and possession of extreme pornography.
Sentence and police response
Ryan Murray, defending Fitzpatrick, described a man of limited maturity and education who left school to do manual work, adding "he is the product of his environment". Mr Murray said: "He had a truly dreadful upbringing. He has suffered trauma in his childhood when his father left when he was aged three."
Judge James Adkin described Fitzpatrick as being "clearly dangerous to young girls", adding he "lied profusely and with ease". He was sentenced to nine years with three extra years on extended licence and was made subject of a 20-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
Det Cons Emily Rickard from Devon and Cornwall Police welcomed the sentence, adding: "Fitzpatrick is a dangerous individual with no regard whatsoever for his victims, and who has consistently attempted to lie his way out of trouble." She thanked the two girls, saying: "By reporting the ordeals they suffered at the hands of Fitzpatrick and remaining engaged throughout the legal process, they have ensured that a dangerous sexual predator has been taken off the streets."
Anyone who had something sexual happen to them without their consent and wants help can call the National Rape Crisis Helpline on 0808 802 9999.
