Rapist and voyeur jailed for sexual abuse

A sexual predator who systematically targeted young woman after plying them with alcohol has today been jailed for 10 years.

Craig France, 33, would deliberately pursue women in the Peterborough area late at night before luring them to ‘after-parties’ at his address.

Once there, France would ply his victims with drink before committing vile sexual offences against them – offences which he filmed and photographed.

Utilising digital evidence taken from France’s devices, including from a secret application hiding the footage and images which proved his offending, along with the harrowing statements of the women he attacked, the Crown Prosecution Service were able to set out a clear pattern of abuse committed by France.

With the overwhelming evidence against him, France pleaded guilty to sexual offences against four women – including rape and sexual assault.

France was sentenced at Cambridge Crown Court on Monday 31 March during which the CPS also successfully sought a forfeiture and destruction order for his devices.

Andrew Young of the Crown Prosecution Service said: “Craig France is a deplorable predator who targeted young women and established their trust, before ruthlessly exploiting them.

“By filming and photographing the offences, France built up an extensive set of images which were stored in his phone, all kept for his own sexual gratification.

“He and he alone is to blame for his disgusting offending.

“Determined to seek justice for the brave women he abused, the CPS worked closely with Cambridgeshire Police to demonstrate the extent of his offending and built a set of charges which gave France little option but to plead guilty to.

“The bravery and resilience shown by his victims during this process has been extraordinary, and we hope they feel justice has been served for them.

“The CPS will continue to work tirelessly to pursue those who commit sexual abuse and hold them accountable for their crimes, including asking the court that any relevant devices and images obtained as part of the offending are forfeited and destroyed.”