In 2026, the Offender Database recorded that Luke Boyce, 25, of Emmanuel Close, Darlington, was jailed for 40 months for the “frightening sexual obsession” he developed for a woman he threatened to rape. On appearing at Teesside Crown Court for sentencing in March 2026, it was reported that Boyce breached a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) by contacting his victim via social media and telephone. The court reported that Boyce, who was already a convicted sex offender, told the woman she looked “mint” after tracking her online activities.
The investigation established that Boyce’s history included a prior conviction for sexually assaulting another woman. Durham Constabulary reported that the defendant had previously told the victim of this latest case that he intended “to rape” her and had attempted to kiss her against her will. The prosecution reported that despite the SHPO being in place specifically to protect her, Boyce monitored her social media and placed an unwanted phone call, causing the victim to become too frightened to remain home alone in Darlington, County Durham.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Boyce was classified in a probation report as “high risk” due to his persistent sexual interest and previous offending. Teesside Crown Court heard how a police search of Boyce’s home on Emmanuel Close also uncovered four bags of cannabis. The prosecution reported that while the defence argued there was no evidence the rape threat would be carried out, the judge dismissed this, citing the defendant’s documented “sexual obsession” and the emotionally debilitating impact on the victim in Darlington.
Judge Jonathan Carroll noted that he could not imagine a more “emotionally debilitating event” than a woman being told by a known offender that he intended to rape her. For his actions in Darlington, Boyce admitted to two breaches of his SHPO and possession of a Class B drug. The judge noted that Boyce’s conduct represented a calculated violation of court orders designed to prevent him from terrorising the target of his obsession.
Sentence and Statutory Requirements
For his crimes in England, Luke Boyce was handed:
- Custodial Sentence: 40 months in prison (March 2026).
- Licence Eligibility: Required to serve half the term (20 months) in custody before release.
- Restraining Order: A lifelong order banning any contact with the victim.
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements remain active for life.
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Teesside Crown Court via video link from HMP Holme House.
- Origin: Emmanuel Close, Darlington, County Durham.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Boyce is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) at a high level of oversight by Durham Constabulary and the prison estate. Due to his “sexual obsession” and history of targeting women in Darlington, his management is subject to intensive scrutiny by the Public Protection Unit and the National Probation Service.
As a member of the Sex Offenders Register, Boyce must comply with notification requirements regarding his identity, residence, and digital access for the remainder of his life. Authorities state that his refusal to adhere to previous SHPO conditions necessitates permanent and stringent monitoring of his online conduct. Any further sexual misconduct, stalking, or breach of his lifelong restraining order in Darlington, Middlesbrough, or elsewhere will result in immediate arrest and a return to the court system for further incarceration.
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