A Carlisle man has been jailed for 25 years for rape and numerous other offences during which he subjected his victims to ‘assaults and threats on their lives’.

Joseph Buckley, 26, of no fixed abode has been imprisoned for the following offences:

• Three counts of rape of a woman
• Engage in controlling / coercive behaviour in an intimate / family relationship
• Two counts of assaulting a person thereby causing actual bodily harm
• Theft in a dwelling other than an automatic machine or meter
• Three counts of threats to kill
• Two counts of criminal damage
• Assault by beating
• Two counts of threats to kill

He has also been given an indefinite sexual harm prevention order.

The offences relate to incidents in March 2021 and December 2020 against one woman and incidents in from November 2022 to January 2023 against another woman.

Speaking on the case Detective Constable Karen Minnion said: “I would urge anyone who has been subject to offences of this nature to come forward. Buckley subjected his victims to assaults and threats on their lives.

“It is understandably difficult and distressing for victims of abuse to talk about what happened to them and any reports we receive will be taken seriously and will be dealt with professionally and sensitively.

“The Constabulary works closely with trusted partner agencies to provide the appropriate support which is tailored to an individual’s circumstances.

“These offences will not be tolerated by Cumbria Constabulary, and we will do everything within our power to hold them accountable for their actions and bring them to justice.

“I would encourage anyone who has been victim of a sexual offence to contact police so that our officers can investigate. You will be supported throughout our investigation.”

WHAT SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE?

A list of services available in your postcode area are summarised here: https://sexualviolencesupport.co.uk/ and Support organisations for victims of domestic violence | Cumbria Police

HOW DO I REPORT TO THE POLICE?

If you wish to report to the police, you can do so online at Report | Cumbria Police  

You can also phone 101.

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

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