City rapist gets nine years

A Norwich man who forced a passer-by to perform a sexual act on him and then lied to police by claiming she was a prostitute has been sentenced to nine years in prison.

Joseph Edwards, 35, of Fakenham Road, Taverham, was found guilty of rape at an earlier trial after being caught in the act by police, thanks to a "public spirited" man who lived nearby and guided officers to the scene of the attack while it was still taking place.

Norwich Crown Court heard how Edwards had grabbed the woman as she was walking home in the city from a day out with friends and family on February 22 this year.

Tim Squires, a fireman who lives near the scene of the attack on Lower Clarence Road, Norwich, heard the victim's cries and saw the attack happening through his flat window, before calling the police and staying on the phone to them until officers had arrived and found Edwards and the victim.

Recorder Guy Ayers described Edwards as a "thoughtful and manipulative rapist" after hearing that when he was caught, he had initially told police the victim was his girlfriend, and then when she refused to agree he said she was in fact a prostitute.

Prosecutor John Farmer read out a statement from the victim about the impact the attack had on her life, in which she said she was now scared to leave the house and was continually worried that she would bump into Edwards in the city.

It said: "Before, I was outgoing, carefree, and perhaps a bit naïve, but now I am always worried someone might grab me from behind. I have found the whole thing extremely traumatic. I was afraid I would bump into him in shops in the city."

In mitigation, Richard Wood said that Edwards had no similar previous offences, and that he had "drink demons" which he was trying to overcome.

Sentencing him to nine years in prison and an indefinite period of time on the sex offenders' register, Mr Ayers said: "People must be able to walk the streets at night without fear of attack by people like you."

The recorder also awarded £500 to Mr Squires for his part in helping to ensure Edwards was caught.