'Depraved predator' jailed for sex attacks

A "depraved and calculating sexual predator" has been jailed after admitting sex offences against four women.

Craig France, 33, who admitted offences including rape, filmed victims without their knowledge, Judge Mark Bishop heard at Cambridge Crown Court on Monday.

The judge was told that all of France's victims, who cannot be identified in media reports of the case, were known to him.

France, of Hammonds Drive, Peterborough, was jailed for 10 years and seven months.

France, who also admitted sex assault, exposure in a public place, and voyeurism, had committed offences in 2021, 2022 and 2023, Judge Bishop heard.

The judge was told that France, a lorry driver, had committed offences at his home and shared footage of his activities.

He said France's victims were either "asleep, unconscious or so inebriated that they could not consent".

Judge Bishop said France had admitted one rape and that the victim suffered "severe psychological harm".

The judge said France posed a "significant risk".

Jacqueline Carey KC, prosecuting, said the women considered France to be a friend, and she told the judge: "His modus operandi was to go out in Peterborough, buy lots of drinks for girls, then invite them back to his house for parties."

She said the parties involved more drinking and spending time in a hot tub.

Miss Carey said France had filmed his victims on a camera in his house or on a phone.

Miss Carey said the woman France raped had told police how she felt at the prospect of watching the footage of had happened.

"I was petrified about what I was going to be seeing," the woman had said.

"I did not know what had happened to me.

"I was going to be seeing someone I trusted doing one of the worst things someone can do to a human being."

Miss Carey said France had also indecently exposed himself in Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, in 2021.

Beth O'Reilly KC, for France, said the case was not "straightforward".

She said following a relationship break-up in 2019, France had led a "rather hedonistic lifestyle".

Miss O'Reilly said it would be wrong to suggest France was a "monster".

"This is a house which was known as a party house," she said.

"This is a man who would go out partying."

She added: "This a man who was sending messages talking about sexual activity."

Miss O'Reilly said France had also been "intoxicated" when he committed offences.

"There is the context of excessive alcohol," Miss O'Reilly told the judge.

"There is hedonism attached to this level of offending."

The judge told France: "This is extraordinary behaviour to engage in at the age of 33, and indicates the risk that you pose in society."

He said France had a sense of "sexual entitlement" and that his behaviour was "concerning".

Det Con Em Scates, who was involved in the investigation, said after Monday's hearing: "It's clear France is a depraved and calculating sexual predator and a danger to women.

"It is one of the worst cases I have dealt with in 23 years of being a police officer.

"The bravery of the survivors of these horrendous crimes has been exceptional."

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