Man sentenced for rape of boy in Darwen

 

2 April 09

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A 45-year-old man has today (Thursday 2nd April 2009) been imprisoned for public protection after he was found guilty of rape, kidnap with intent to rape and threats to kill following a sexual attack on a 12-year-old boy in Darwen.

Craig Joseph Bennett, also known as Craig Preece, 45 yrs, of no fixed abode, was told by a judge at Preston Crown Court he would serve at least 10 years in prison before being considered for release. He will not be released until he was deemed not to be a risk of harm to the public.  He will also be on license for the rest of his life and was put on the sex offenders register for life.

Bennett was convicted last week of two charges of rape of a child, kidnap with intent to rape and threats to kill following a trial at Preston Crown Court.

Detective Inspector Jim Elston of Eastern division’s Public Protection Unit, said: “I am satisfied that the judge deemed Bennett to present such a danger to the public and I am reassured that he will serve at least 10 years in prison before there is any discussion about his release. However, I personally feel the gravity of the offence would have warranted a life sentence, although I respect the decision of the judge.  

“Bennett took advantage of the trusting and innocent nature of his victim in order to carry out a wicked and cruel sexual assault.

“He is a clearly a dangerous, manipulative, shameless individual who presents a significant risk to children; I trust that he will not be released until such time as he is no longer deemed to be a risk of harm.’’     

At around 8.30pm on May 14th last year a twelve year old boy was walking near his home in the Sudellside area of Darwen. He was approached by a man who claimed to have lost his dog. The male offered the boy £10 to assist in finding the dog and led him to the nearby Marsh House wooded area of Darwen. Here the boy tried to leave but was then subjected to a brutal sexual attack.

Following the assault, which lasted some time, the victim managed to get to a nearby road and flag down a passing vehicle which took him home and it is then that the incident was reported to police.

Officers launched a major investigation and Bennett, a registered sex offender, was arrested a short time later at an address in Darwen.

Family Statement