Dangerous rapist who committed 'several sickening attacks on his victim' jailed

Christopher Hide, 31, of St Mary’s Wharf, Blackburn, was sentenced at the Sessions House in Preston on Wednesday (June 29).

Hide was arrested on suspicion of rape in April 2020 after a woman came forward and spoke to police.

The woman reported Hide had attacked and raped her, as well as attempted to rape her, between April 2015 and April 2017.

Hide was interviewed by police and, following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, later charged.

In February 2022, Hide appeared at court and pleaded guilty shortly before his trial to two counts of rape and a further count of attempted rape.

He was given a sentence of 17 years and six months, consisting of 13 years and six months in prison, with a further four years on licence.

Hide was also given a restraining order and will be on the sex offenders register for life.

DC Alex Prendergast, of Blackburn Police, said: “Christopher Hide is a dangerous sex offender who committed several sickening attacks on his victim.

“His sentence is reflective of the gravity of his offending and he will be off the streets for a very long time.

“I must praise the victim for her strength in supporting our prosecution.

“She has shown great courage and strength in coming forward and reporting the crimes to police.”

He added: “We are committed to preventing and detecting offences of serious sexual assault.

“We want victims to feel confident that they will be treated with compassion and that we will do everything possible to trace those responsible and take action against them.

“I hope this case will give other victims of sexual offending the confidence to come forward, knowing that we will listen to them and act on the information they provide.”