A "DANGEROUS and violent" rapist who put his victim through the ordeal of a "prolonged" court case has been put behind bars.

Police have welcomed the sentencing of Jack Gilmartin for rape at Liverpool Crown Court, today, Thursday, May 2.

Gilmartin, 23, of no fixed address, was found guilty of rape; harassment; assault occasioning ABH; intentional strangulation; and possession of controlled drugs.

The offences took place in the St Helens area in 2022.

St Helens Star: Gilmartin was convicted at Liverpool Crown Court Gilmartin was convicted at Liverpool Crown Court (Image: Stock)

Gilmartin was found guilty of the rape offence following a retrial this week, having pleaded guilty to the other offences last year. He remained in custody between the trials.

He was given an extended sentence of 11 years, comprising of seven years imprisonment and four years on licence.

Gilmartin was also handed a 10-year restraining order against his victim.

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Detective Sergeant Bob Sandham said: “Gilmartin is a dangerous and violent offender who will now face a significant time behind bars. He also prolonged the suffering of his victim through a protracted court process.

“I would like to commend her for showing such strength and resolve throughout what was an extremely traumatic time, and we hope that today's sentence brings her some sense of justice as she continues to recover.

“Anyone that has been a victim of a sexual offence, is concerned for the safety of someone they know or suspects someone to be engaging in this criminal activity, should come forward and speak to us. Please be assured that we have a team of dedicated staff who will expertly and compassionately deal with your reports and we will do everything we can to bring offenders to justice.

“We take all such reports extremely seriously, and work with partner organisations such as Victim care Support Service and RASA who are there to support victims every step of the way.”

  • To report a sexual offence call 101 where you will be spoken to by specially trained officers or you can pass information to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. If you’ve been affected by sexual violence of any kind, support is available through the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Victim Care Merseyside service delivered jointly by two registered charities. In Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral, support is provided by Rape and Sexual Abuse Support (RASA) Merseyside who are available on 0151 558 1801 and, in St Helens and Knowsley, by the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC) Cheshire and Merseyside who can be contacted on 01925 221 546 or 0330 363 0063.