Serial rapist jailed for 18 years

Thursday, 18 May 2017 13:17

Guilty verdict on Peel man after two week trial

A Peel man has been jailed for 18 years jail after being found guilty of multiple rapes and assault.

Forty-six-year-old William Henry Kelly was sentenced today on 10 counts of rape, four of indecent assault and two of assault.

Kelly had denied all the accusations against him during a two week trial at Douglas courthouse.

The jury returned guilty verdicts on all 16 charges this morning.

Detective Inspector Michelle McKillop who led the investigation, has described the case as one of the most significant in the Manx courts for some time.

She said the serial rapist was a dangerous and prolific sex offender and perpetrator of domestic abuse.

Described in court as a 'cruel, predatory and persistent rapist', William Henry Kelly was today sentenced for violently raping three women during a three year period.

All victims were going through difficult times - and Kelly was well aware of their vulnerability.

Over the course of the trial, the jury heard how the 46-year-old had a bullying and controlling manner, and would use force if necessary to satisfy his sexual appetite.

Deemster Birkett praised all three women subjected to these 'evil' crimes, as courageous for coming forward and re-living the torment they suffered.

He added the sentence needed to show that women would be protected.

With that, he sentenced Kelly to a total of 18 years behind bars.