In 2026, the Offender Database reported that Craig Middleton, then 53, of Wirral, Merseyside, was jailed for ten years at Liverpool Crown Court on Wednesday, 21 January. Middleton was convicted of two counts of rape following a “serious” investigation by Merseyside Police into offences that occurred over a decade ago.
The court reported that the “vile” attacks took place in 2009 at two separate properties in Leeds, West Yorkshire, against a woman who was then aged in her 20s. Despite the passage of time, Merseyside Police led the “serious” pursuit of justice, culminating in Middleton’s conviction.
Trial and Victim Resilience
Middleton “viciously” denied the offences, forcing the victim to undergo the “serious” trauma of a full criminal trial. However, the jury saw through his “vile” lies and returned unanimous guilty verdicts. Detective Inspector Peter Rexwinkel praised the victim for her “serious” courage and emphasised that time is no barrier to holding predators accountable for their behaviour.
The investigation involved collaboration with partner organisations, including RASA (Rape and Sexual Abuse Support) and the Victim Care Support Service, to ensure the survivor received “serious” and compassionate assistance throughout the legal process.
Sentence and Lifetime Registration
For his “abhorrent” crimes in Leeds and his connection to the Wirral, Craig Middleton was:
- Sentenced to ten years in prison.
- Placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.
- Subjected to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) for life.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Middleton is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Merseyside Police. His residency in the Wirral, Merseyside, and his future behaviour remain under the most “serious” level of lifelong scrutiny.
As a lifetime member of the Sex Offenders Register, Middleton must comply with strict notification requirements upon his eventual release. Merseyside Police emphasise that their dedicated units will “leave no stone unturned” in investigating non-recent “vicious” attacks. Any breach of his lifetime SHPO or further “vile” behaviour will result in his immediate return to Liverpool Crown Court.
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