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Cumbria Police Praise Girl’s Courage As Her Rapist Was Jailed For Four Years 

Cumbria Police has praised the courage and ‘bravery’ of a girl who was raped after her attacker was jailed for four years in prison.

Josh Atkinson was sentenced to four years in prison. Credit: Cumbria Police

Officers said her bravery throughout the investigation and court process was to be commended after the sentencing of Josh Atkinson, 22.

Atkinson, of Cockfield Drive, Workington, committed the rape in 2017. He was found guilty following a trial at Carlisle Crown Court and was sentenced yesterday, Monday March 27, to four years imprisonment.

Detective Sergeant Jaime Warwick, speaking after the sentence, said: “I want to thank the victim and her family for coming forward. I’d like to commend her bravery throughout this extremely difficult process.”

DS Warwick added: “All crimes such as this are treated seriously and with sensitivity. We understand that not everybody who has suffered sexual assault or rape wants a police investigation or to go court.

“It is really important that everyone knows that there are support services available should they need them, whether or not there is a criminal investigation.

“If you have been the victim of a rape or sexual assault, we would always encourage you to report it to police, so that we can ensure you are put in contact with the appropriate support service.

“Your report will be taken seriously and investigated by specialist officers should you wish.

“However, there are a large range of support services that can be accessed regardless of whether you have reported a crime to the police or not.”

WHAT SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE?

A round-up of services across Cumbria is available here: Victim Services Archive – Cumbria Police and Crime Commissioner (cumbria-pcc.gov.uk)

HOW DO I REPORT TO POLICE?

If you wish to report to police you can do so online at www.cumbria.police.uk/reportit

You can also phone on 101.

Always phone 999 in an emergency or if a crime is in progress.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

PLEASE NOTE:

People who allege they are victims of certain sexual offences receive lifelong anonymity. It is a criminal offence to publish the complainant’s identity or any information that might lead to the complainant being identified.