Man who set up fake social media profile before raping woman in Burnley is jailed for 16 years

In 2015, Adam Kelly, contacted his victim out of the blue using an account with a fake profile image and sent her photographs of his private parts.

When the victim worked out 35-year-old Kelly wasn’t who he was claiming to be and spurned his advances, Kelly began to wait outside her place of work.

After attacking and making threats towards her, Kelly later followed the woman after she had finished work and raped her.

When Kelly was arrested, he admitted to police that he had a problem with sex but denied raping the victim.

Following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, Kelly of Talbot Street, Burnley, was charged with rape.

He was found guilty by a jury at Burnley Crown Court last week.

Yesterday, Judge Sara Dodd sentenced Kelly to 16 years imprisonment and said he must serve at least two thirds of that sentence before he is eligible for release.

He was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.

DC Lisa Bennett, of East CID, said: “Kelly’s offending has had a profound impact on the victim’s life and first and foremost I want to praise her for the bravery she has shown throughout this harrowing process. Not only did Kelly lie throughout this case, he also forced the victim to re-live her experience by taking the case to trial. He is truly a wicked and manipulative individual.

“I welcome the sentence handed down by the Judge, which very much reflects the seriousness of Kelly’s crime. Once he is eventually released the public will be afforded further protection from his abhorrent behaviour by the notification requirement.

“I hope other victims will have the confidence to come forward – no matter how long ago the offence took place – knowing they will be listened to, believed and that Lancashire Police will do everything in our power to bring the offender to justice.

“I would like to thank all my colleagues who worked on this extremely complex case. Their hard work, and that from our colleagues at the CPS, has led to a remorseless sex offender receiving a significant custodial sentence.”

If you or somebody you know has been the victim of a sexual offence report it to police via 101 or https://doitonline.lancashire.police.uk/