Jail for rapist who handed himself in
A rapist who attacked a young mother he met over the internet handed himself in to police before his victim had even reported the crime, a court heard.
The actions of Jamie Waterfield were described as "exceptionally unusual" at Wolverhampton Crown Court.
Before jailing the 25-year-old for a year and nine months, Judge John Warner told him: "You went to the police station and told them what you had done before any complaint was made.
"I have never heard of that in all my time as a judge or practising solicitor."
Waterfield, of Barnard Road, Ashmore Park, Wednesfield, walks with a cane due to arthritis and epilepsy. Mr Mark Rees, prosecuting, said the attack took place on November 10 last year and that Waterfield had previously pleaded guilty to one charge of rape.
The court heard how he handed himself in to police immediately after assaulting the woman and officers visited the victim's house after hearing his confession.
"He was tearful and upset in interview," said Mr Oliver Woolhouse, defending. "He was immediately remorseful."
"He has rubbished his good name. This will be a mark against him for the rest of his life – he will always be a rapist."
The court heard how the victim had been left "upset and confused" by the attack.
In her victim impact statement read to the court, she said: "It has made me wary about other men. I am only just starting to get back to normal." Mr Woolhouse added Waterfield had no previous convictions.
He said: "This is an exceptionally unusual case involving a young man of previous good character.
"He walked straight into the police station when there was no complaint."
Waterfield, who was dressed all in black for yesterday's court appearance, will be on the sex offenders' register for 10 years. He showed no emotion throughout the 25-minute hearing and when being sentenced.
Judge Warner allowed him to remain seated due to his disability as he heard his fate.
