Rapist who set fire to woman's hair jailed

A rapist who subjected women and girls to a string of assaults and sexual violence, including setting light to one victim's hair, has been jailed.

Preston Crown Court heard Marc Howson also wrapped telephone wire around her neck, as well as stubbing out a cigarette on another victim's cheek and repeatedly raping and sexually assaulting them.

Howson, 48, from Blackpool, was sentenced to 26 years in jail with a four-year extended licence, at a hearing on Monday.

He had previously been found guilty by a jury at the same court on 15 November.

During his trial, jurors heard Howson, of Somerset Avenue, had subjected women and girls to a catalogue of abuse over a 10-year period in the 1990s and 2000s.

The jury found him guilty of a total of 11 counts against three victims – six of rape, including one count that included multiple incidents, three of assault and two of indecent assault.

Howson was also made the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders' Register for life.

Speaking after the sentencing hearing, Det Sgt Kat Knock from Lancashire Police said she wanted to commend the three women for having the courage to speak about what happened to them.

"Without their bravery, Howson's monstrous crimes may never have come to light," she said.

Det Sgt Knock said: "The level of depravity he subjected his victims to beggars belief - he is a clear danger to women and I welcome the fact that he is now behind bars for a lengthy period of time."

She said she hoped his sentence gave the women "some sense that justice has been done" and encouraged others who may have suffered similar abuse to come forward and report it.

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