A man who committed heinous acts of sexual assault, including rape at knifepoint and threatening his victim with a fake gun, has been sentenced to jail for making threatening calls to the victim’s workplace while posing as Osama Bin Laden.
Ross Fyles, a repeat sex offender with a history of violent behavior, also physically attacked the woman, once throwing scissors at her, causing a serious injury. Fyles further assaulted the victim by punching her, pulling her hair, and making violent threats with a knife.
During the trial at Liverpool Crown Court, it was revealed that Fyles sent abusive messages to the victim and left a voicemail at her workplace pretending to be Osama Bin Laden, threatening to bomb the office and harm her colleagues.
Fyles, with a criminal record of 21 convictions for various offenses, was found guilty by a jury on charges including rape, assault causing bodily harm, possession of an imitation firearm, and stalking. He was sentenced to 16 years in prison with an additional three-year extended license period.
In court, Fyles’ defense attorney mentioned his troubled childhood, including parental abandonment and bullying, leading to emotional issues and alcohol abuse. Despite the defense’s plea for a shorter sentence, the judge emphasized the severity of Fyles’ actions and the enduring trauma inflicted on the victim.
The judge highlighted Fyles’ pattern of violent and sexual offenses, noting his disregard for rules and past criminal behavior. Fyles was deemed a significant ongoing risk for committing further serious offenses and was ordered to serve a minimum of two-thirds of his sentence before being eligible for parole.
Additionally, Fyles received a lifelong restraining order preventing contact with the victim and was required to register as a sex offender indefinitely.
