Coventry Man Jailed For Attack On Woman

The young woman, who was 21 at the time of the attack, had left Kasbah nightclub in the early hours of 15 February after a night out with friends and started to walk home. A man began to follow her along Berry Street moments later.

 

That man, who turned out to be 41-year-old Linton Long, knocked the woman to the floor and demanded money before dragging her back to her feet and into a nearby alleyway. It was in the alleyway where the woman was forced to perform sex acts before Long, of Adderley Street, raped her.

 

In a final callous act he then blindfolded his terrified victim with her own scarf before stealing her bag and running off.

 

Police were called to the scene by a passer-by and an investigation was immediately launched.

 

Warehouseman, Long, was identified following a trawl of local CCTV and was arrested just four days later.

 

He was later charged with rape and robbery and he appeared before Coventry Magistrates Court in February.

 

Long pleaded guilty to all offences on Monday (27 October) on the day his trial should have begun at Warwick Justice Centre.

 

He was subsequently sentenced to seven years two months imprisonment for the offences.

 

DC Katy Roberts, from Coventry public protection unit, investigated the case. Following this week’s hearing she said: “This was a truly distressing case where a young woman was subjected to a terrifying attack.

 

“Thankfully her physical injuries were not serious but she was understandably traumatised by her ordeal that night.

 

“Following the assault we immediately launched a thorough investigation which uncovered such a wealth of compelling evidence that the defendant had no choice but to plead guilty. 

 

“Our specialised sexual offences officers are dedicated to investigating these types of crime and will stop at nothing to ensure that victims are dealt with in a professional manner, whilst the crimes are investigated thoroughly and robustly.

 

“Hopefully the sentence Long received will offer some comfort to his victim and this outcome will give others the courage to come forward if they are subjected to such crimes.”