Peterborough, England — A local man has been sentenced to ten years in prison for a series of violent acts against two women, including rape and assault. Jakob Ireson, 31, of Sandringham Road, committed the crimes in October 2023 after a social visit to a friend’s home.
Ireson’s criminal behavior began when he made unwelcome advances toward a woman during his visit. After initially leaving the property, he returned to attack the victim while she slept, awakening her to the horrifying reality of being raped.
Approximately one year later, while under police bail for the initial incident, Ireson was reported to have forcibly entered another woman’s home, disregarding an 18-year restraining order that prevented him from visiting. According to reports, he exhibited aggressive and verbally abusive behavior before launching a physical assault.
During the attack, he reportedly struck the victim multiple times in the face, damaged her belongings, and applied pressure on her neck for about 30 seconds. The woman later recounted a range of brutal actions he inflicted upon her, resulting in visible facial injuries.
In a hearing at Cambridge Crown Court on January 30, Ireson was convicted of rape on August 1, 2023, and received an eight-year sentence. He received an additional two-year sentence after pleading guilty to charges including actual bodily harm, intentional strangulation, harassment for breaching a restraining order, and two counts of criminal damage. The sentences are set to be served consecutively.
Detective Constable Kara Halls, who led the investigation, expressed the significance of the victims’ courage in coming forward. She emphasized the predatory nature of Ireson’s actions, stating they reflected a blatant disregard for the victims’ safety and well-being. Halls hopes the sentence will serve as a source of justice for the survivors.
Authorities continue to advocate for the support of individuals affected by sexual and domestic violence. Police urge anyone facing similar circumstances or worried about someone’s safety to reach out for help, asserting that resources and support are readily available.