Preston man handed 18 years in prison for string of offences against young woman

A Preston man has been handed a 18 year sentence for a string of crimes against a young woman.

Cameron Livesey, 24, of Rufus Street, Preston, brutally raped the woman and strangled her so she could not cry out, Lancs Live reported.

He also stalked her, waiting outside her work, and bombarded her with more than 3,000 calls and text messages, littered with threats to harm her. He had also on other occasions punched and slapped her.

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He pleaded guilty to the stalking charge, but was found guilty of additional charges of rape, sexual assault, strangulation and another serious charge, following a trial.

Judge Robert Altham, the Honorary Recorder of Preston, said when sentencing that Livesey's victim had suffered significant psychological harm as a result of her ordeal with Livesey.

She had moved to a new address so he will not know where she lives, and has been unable to work.

"She feels worthless and lacks confidence," he said. "One hopes after today she can start to put this behind her and rebuild her confidence."

The court heard Livesey has previous convictions for stalking another young woman when he was a teenager. He has been diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, a psychiatric report said.

Judge Altham said Livesey was a "dangerous" offender and handed down an extended sentence to protect other women from harm. He sentenced him to 14 years in custody with a four-year extended licence period.

Livesey was also handed a 17-year restraining order and put on the sex offenders register indefinitely.