Rapist may face life after hospital sex attack

A convicted rapist who has pleaded guilty to a "dreadful" sex attack on a woman in the toilets of a hospital could face a life sentence.

Lee James Mullen, 38, admitted sexual assault by penetration and inflicting grievous bodily harm at Glan Clwyd Hospital, Bodelwyddan, Denbighshire, on 10 December 2024.

Mullen, of Church Street, Flint, Flintshire, had been previously jailed for 11 years after gagging and raping a woman in 2015.

Prosecutor David Mainstone told Mold Crown Court there is a consideration a life sentence should be imposed due to the "very serious" case, aggravated by his previous conviction.

Mr Mainstone said Mullen had punched the victim repeatedly and sexually assaulted her.

Judge Rhys Rowlands said the court was going to be looking at a protective sentence, adding: "A full report is needed and assessment as to dangerousness."

"This is a very serious case aggravated by the previous conviction in 2015," said Judge Rowlands, adding that it must have been a "dreadful experience for everybody concerned".

The judges said the charges must reflect the "appalling violence visited upon the victim at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd".

He told Mullen: "The position is made all the more serious by your past history of offending, that matter back in 2015.

"We need to know the effect of your offending on the victim and no doubt her family, and the injuries she sustained."

Judge Rowlands told Mullen the case could only attract a length custodial sentence in due course.

Sentencing was adjourned for a pre-sentence report with a risk assessment, and Mullen remains in custody.