James Cox, the Rhyl Rapist, wept in court as a judge sentenced him to imprisonment for assaulting a lady while she slept at a Travelodge motel. James Cox perpetrated a ‘terrible’ assault on his victim the morning following a binge of drink and cocaine.
Authorities arrived at his chamber to discover him injured, having inflicted wounds on himself with a fragment of glass. A judge informed him that he must “endure the shame for the remainder of his life.”
Yesterday afternoon, Tuesday, March 11, Liverpool Crown Court was informed that James Cox was residing at a Travelodge hotel in the city during the event and had consumed alcohol throughout the night.
The same morning, another guest awoke at approximately 7 AM to discover the 29-year-old resident of Sherwood Avenue in Rhyl, North Wales, kissing her neck and sexually assaulting her, having removed her pyjama bottoms during her slumber.
Gareth Roberts, for the prosecution, detailed how officers responded to the reported incident in his room but received no response upon arrival. Upon the door’s unlocking by a staff member, personnel discovered James Cox with a “deep laceration” on his wrist, grasping a shard of glass.
The defendant was then sent to the hospital for treatment of these injuries. His criminal record includes charges for public intoxication, resisting arrest, a public order violation, and possession of cannabis.
Callum Ross, representing the defence, stated in court: “This defendant comprehends the gravity of his actions.” He must endure that for the remainder of his life, and he will.
“He has a positive working history. He clearly has issues with drug use. The defendant has been very candid about his cocaine addiction. He tells me that he feels better already as a result of his remand and being abstinent from drugs. That is perhaps a positive of custody and will assist in his rehabilitation in due course.”
James Cox admitted to one count of rape. Appearing via video link to HMP Liverpool wearing a grey Under Armour tracksuit top, he was seen wiping tears away as he was jailed for five years and three months.
He will be required to serve two-thirds of this term behind bars before becoming eligible for release. Sentencing, Judge Neil Flewitt KC told him that the “horror of what he did no doubt had a profound and lasting effect” and added: “You had a relatively long-standing addiction to cocaine, which was compounded by your use of alcohol. It may be that explains what happened that night.
“This was a horrible offence. You have been in trouble with the police before, but not for anything on this scale. It is said that you will have to live for the rest of your life with the shame of what you have done, and I accept that.
“It may well be that drink and drugs have a large part to play in what happened. That was largely self-induced. It was your choice to abuse alcohol and drugs, and so you have to take the consequences of your behaviour when you were under their influence.”
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