‘Wicked and cruel’ man attacked woman with axe before tying her up and raping her in Accrington

Police were called to reports a woman had been subjected to a serious sexual assault at an address in Accrington at 10.26am on February 28.

Officers discovered the victim had been hit over the head with an axe before being tied up and raped.

The defendant – 51-year-old Mark Yeates – was quickly identified as the prime suspect and arrested later the same day.

Yeates, of Nuttall Street, Accrington, answered no comment to all questions put to him during his police interview.

He later pleaded guilty to three counts of rape and a Section 47 assault after appearing at Burnley Crown Court earlier this year.

Yeates appeared at Preston Crown Court on Monday (August 8) where he was sentenced to 12 years custody with a further eight years on extended licence.

He was also ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life.

DC Jo Billington, of the East Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (RASSO) Team, said: “Mark Yeates is a wicked and cruel individual who – as recognised by the Judge – poses a real risk of further offending towards women.

“I am pleased with the sentence handed down to him, which reflects his dangerousness.

“Even once he is eventually released, Yeates will continue to be monitored by the authorities.”

He added: “I would like to praise the victim in this case for her bravery.

“I hope the courage she has shown – and the significant sentence imposed in this case – will encourage other victims of sexual offences to come forward.”

If you have been the victim of a crime, call 101 or report it online at https://doitonline.lancashire.police.uk/.

Always call 999 in an emergency.