A rapist, who was jailed after attacking a woman in her home while high on drugs, collapsed today when police told him he may have contracted HIV from his victim.
Richard Thomas knew the woman had another illness but was unaware of the HIV, Liverpool Crown Court heard.
When the 27-year-old was told she had the disease, he collapsed in “shock” and asked to be taken to hospital for tests to see if he had contracted the virus.
Thomas, of Sandringham Drive, Leigh, pleaded guilty to raping the woman on July 20 this year.
He had let himself into her home uninvited in the middle of the night and she awoke to find him raping her from behind.
“She froze and no words were exchanged. He pulled up his shorts and left,” said Harry Pepper, prosecuting.
“He was arrested and interviewed and said he had been drinking heavily, taken cocaine and ecstasy and could not recall the incident,” he added.
His barrister, Virginia Hayton, that he still cannot recall the attack but when told about it he said that the woman “would not lie, she tells the truth. If she says I have done it, I have done it.”
Jailing him for five years four months Judge Mark Brown said that he had committed “this dreadful offence” while she lay asleep, having taken a sleeping tablet, and left her distressed and anxious. He ordered him to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.
Miss Hayton said that Thomas, who has previous convictions but none for sexual offences, “is remorseful and cannot understand why he did it and it is troubling him.”
She said that he started using cannabis at the age of nine, drinking heavily at the age of 11, addicted to ecstasy and cocaine at 13 and was put in care the following year.
He has been trying to contact his family but they want nothing to do with him and he will now be away from his partner and their young daughter and his two other older daughters from previous relationships.
Miss Hayton told the court that Thomas will not find out the result of his HIV test until Friday and has had the worry of the outcome hanging over him.
“It is his own fault, if he had not committed this offence he would not have placed himself in this position.”
Lucky Items for Each Zodiac Sign in 2025 ✨🔮
As we step into 2025, each zodiac sign has a special item that can attract good luck, positive energy, and success. Here’s what you should keep close to maximize your fortune this year!
♈ Aries (March 21 – April 19) – Red Bracelet 🔴
Aries is ruled by Mars, the planet of action and energy. A red bracelet (especially made of string or beads) will enhance their confidence, bring protection, and boost their luck in new ventures.
♉ Taurus (April 20 – May 20) – Jade Stone 💚
Taurus thrives with stability and prosperity. A jade stone (as a ring, necklace, or charm) will attract financial growth, emotional balance, and good health throughout 2025.
♊ Gemini (May 21 – June 20) – Silver Pendant 🩶
Geminis are quick thinkers and communicators. A silver pendant (especially in the shape of a feather or key) will help them stay focused, improve luck in decision-making, and attract new opportunities.
♋ Cancer (June 21 – July 22) – Moonstone 🌙
Ruled by the Moon, Cancer benefits from a moonstone (as a ring, bracelet, or charm) to enhance intuition, emotional stability, and protection from negative energy.
♌ Leo (July 23 – August 22) – Gold Coin or Sun Charm ☀️
Leos love to shine, and a small gold coin or a sun-shaped charm will enhance their charisma, bring career success, and help them maintain their leadership energy in 2025.
♍ Virgo (August 23 – September 22) – Amethyst Crystal 💜
Virgos thrive on clarity and precision. An amethyst crystal (as jewelry or a small pocket stone) will help them reduce stress, attract wisdom, and maintain mental balance.
♎ Libra (September 23 – October 22) – Rose Quartz Heart 💗
Libras seek harmony and love. A rose quartz heart-shaped stone will boost romantic luck, improve relationships, and help them maintain inner peace throughout the year.
♏ Scorpio (October 23 – November 21) – Obsidian Stone ⚫
Scorpios are powerful yet need protection. A black obsidian stone (worn as a ring or bracelet) will shield them from negative energy and strengthen their intuition in 2025.
♐ Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21) – Horseshoe Charm 🧲
Sagittarians are adventurous and lucky by nature. A horseshoe charm (as a necklace or keychain) will enhance their good fortune, protect them during travels, and attract exciting opportunities.
♑ Capricorn (December 22 – January 19) – Tiger’s Eye Bracelet 🐅
Capricorns are hardworking and goal-oriented. A tiger’s eye bracelet will bring strength, focus, and career success while protecting them from negative influences.
♒ Aquarius (January 20 – February 18) – Evil Eye Amulet 👁️
As a visionary sign, Aquarius can attract envy. Wearing an evil eye amulet (as jewelry or a keychain) will protect them from negativity and enhance their innovative energy in 2025.
♓ Pisces (February 19 – March 20) – Seashell Charm 🐚
Pisces is deeply connected to water and intuition. A seashell charm (kept in their pocket or as a necklace) will bring emotional balance, enhance creativity, and attract good fortune.
✨ Which lucky item will you carry in 2025? ✨ 😍