A CONVICTED sex offender who raped a 21-year-old man and sexually assaulted a 15-year-old boy in 2006 has been jailed for 12 years.
Barrie O'Keefe, 48, of no fixed abode, was sentenced today at Carlisle Crown Court for one count of rape and two counts of sexual assault against a child.
The offences, which were committed in Carlisle, Cumbria in 2006, were reported to police in 2022.
"I'd like to commend the two victims in this case for coming forward and reporting these offences to us," said Police Staff Investigator Steve Siddaway of Cumbria Constabulary.
O’Keefe had previously been sentenced to 10 years in prison in 2007 after being convicted of raping a 15-year-old boy in Carlisle.
In July of this year, he was found guilty by a jury of the latest charges.
At his sentencing today, O'Keefe was also made subject to an extensive sexual harm prevention order.
'Profound impact'
"It is understandably extremely difficult and distressing for victims of rape to talk openly about what happened to them, but by coming forward it has enabled us to bring O'Keefe to justice," said Mr Siddaway.
"O'Keefe's actions have undoubtedly had a profound impact on his victim's lives, but I hope the sentence handed out today can go some way in providing closure.
"O'Keefe is very clearly a dangerous man which has been proven by his previous offending for a similar assault, which he was jailed for in 2007.
"Today's sentence should send out a clear message to perpetrators that, no matter how much times has passed, serious sexual assaults will not be tolerated by Cumbria Constabulary, and we will do everything in our power to hold them accountable for their crimes.
"I would encourage anyone who has been a victim of sexual assault or child sexual abuse to contact police so our officers can investigate these matters.
"You can speak with specialist officers with confidence and will be supported throughout any investigation."
