POLICE have praised the courage of two men whose compelling evidence helped convict a convicted Carlisle child rapist of three new offences. 

Barrie O’Keefe, 48, formerly from the city's Denton Holme area, previously served a decade in jail for raping a 15-year-old boy.

At Carlisle Crown Court today, he was sentenced for additional offences - one count of raping a 20-year-old man and two sexual assaults on another 15-year-old boy. He plied all the victims with drink and drugs to render them helpless.

O'Keefe was jailed for 12 years. 

He had denied any wrongdoing but was convicted after a trial of the new offences on what a judge said was "overwhelming" evidence.

O'Keefe was made the subject of an extended licence, meaning he will remain at risk of recall to prison for eight years after that 12-year period has expired. 

After the hearing, Police Staff Investigator Steve Siddaway, who oversaw the investigation, said: “I’d like to commend the two victims in this case for coming forward and reporting these offences to us.

“It is understandably extremely difficult and distressing for victims of rape to talk openly about what happened to them, but by coming forward it has enabled us to bring O’Keefe to justice.

“O’Keefe’s actions have undoubtedly had a profound impact on his victim’s lives, but I hope the sentence handed out today can go some way in providing closure.

“O’Keefe is a very clearly a dangerous man which has been proven by his previous offending for a similar assault, which he was jailed for in 2007.

“Today’s sentence should send out a clear message to perpetrators that, no matter how much times has passed, serious sexual assaults will not be tolerated by Cumbria Constabulary, and we will do everything in our power to hold them accountable for their crimes.

“I would encourage anyone who has been a victim of sexual assault or child sexual abuse to contact police so our officers can investigate these matters. You can speak with specialist officers with confidence and will be supported throughout any investigation.”

To report a crime, you can do so via www.cumbria.police.uk/report-it . You can also call on 101

If you have been affected by rape or sexual assault, please contact The Bridgeway Sexual Assault Support Service’s 24/7 free helpline on 0808 118 6432. A list of services available in your postcode area are summarised here: www.sexualviolencesupport.co.uk.

* For a full report of the sentencing hearing, see tomorrow's News & Star.