A RAPIST who attacked three separate women over a three-year period has been jailed.

Lee Duffy, 26, of Bierley Lane, Bradford, wept as he was jailed for a total of eight years at Bradford Crown Court yesterday.

In June, Duffy was found guilty, by majority verdicts of 10-2, of four charges of rape, one of attempted rape and one of assault causing actual bodily harm.

The jury of ten men and two women also convicted Duffy unanimously of two further charges of causing actual bodily harm. He had denied all charges.

Sentencing him, Judge Colin Burn said: “You had no perspective what the difference was between what might be called persuasion and coercion.”

He said Duffy’s sexual drive meant he was “not prepared to accept no for an answer”.

“You could not differentiate between consent and lack of consent,” Judge Burn said.

Defence barrister Rebecca Young said Duffy continued to deny the offences, but accepted the convictions and was willing to undertake courses while in prison to make sure he did not commit further offences.

She said he was of previous good character and was aware he would receive a long custodial sentence.

Duffy was made the subject of a sexual harm prevention order.

Should he enter a relationship after his release – and that relationship be ongoing after 30 days – he must notify police with details of that person.

Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Constable Kam Nagra, of West Yorkshire Police Protective Services Crime, said: “I would like to praise the victims’ bravery and courage in coming forward and giving their evidence.

“I hope they can now move on from what has been a traumatic time for them.

“I would also hope that today’s result demonstrates our continued commitment to victims of sexual offences that we will take them seriously, deal with them sensitively and do everything we can to bring offenders to justice.”

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