A Royal Navy man who was jailed in 2001 for the murders of two women is now alleged to have sexually assaulted four other women, a jury has been told.
Details of the Allegations
The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is accused of carrying out the assaults between 1998 and 2000. The alleged victims were all women aged between 18 and 30 at the time. The court heard that the man used his position in the Royal Navy to gain the trust of his victims.
Prosecutor Sarah Jones QC told the jury: “The defendant is a man who has already been convicted of two murders. We say that he is a sexual predator who targeted vulnerable women.”
Previous Convictions
In 2001, the man was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murders of two women in separate incidents. He was also convicted of a string of other offences, including rape and indecent assault. The trial for the new allegations is expected to last several weeks.
According to the prosecution, the man used his authority and charm to approach women, often in bars or clubs, before subjecting them to sexual assaults. “He was a man who knew how to manipulate and control,” said Jones.
Impact on Victims
One of the alleged victims, now in her 40s, told the court: “I have lived with this for over 20 years. It has affected every part of my life.” Another said she had been too scared to come forward earlier because of the man’s notoriety.
The defence argued that the allegations are historic and difficult to prove, and that the man has already been punished for his crimes. “My client maintains his innocence in relation to these charges,” said defence barrister Mark Evans.
The trial continues.
