Barrie O’Keefe, a Carlisle paedophile who raped a 21-year-old and sexually abused a 15-year-old boy in 2006 has been sentenced to 12 years in prison.
Barrie O’Keefe, 48, of no permanent residence, was sentenced today (25 September) at Carlisle Crown Court for one crime of rape and two counts of sexual assault on a minor.
The acts committed in Carlisle in 2006 were reported to the police in 2022.
A jury convicted Barrie O’Keefe during a hearing in July 2024.
Barrie O’Keefe is also the subject of a comprehensive sexual harm prevention order.
Police Staff Investigator Steve Siddaway, who oversaw the investigation, said: “I’d like to commend the two victims in this case for coming forward and reporting these offences to us.
“It is understandably challenging and distressing for victims of rape to talk openly about what happened to them, but by coming forward it has enabled us to bring O’Keefe to justice.
“Barrie O’Keefe’s actions have undoubtedly had a profound impact on his victim’s lives, but I hope the sentence handed out today can go some way in providing closure.
“Barrie O’Keefe is a very clearly dangerous man, which his previous offending has proved for a similar assault, which he was jailed for in 2007.
“Today’s sentence should send out a clear message to perpetrators that, no matter how much time has passed, Cumbria Constabulary will not tolerate serious sexual assaults, and we will do everything in our power to hold them accountable for their crimes.
“I would encourage anyone who has been a victim of sexual assault or child sexual abuse to contact police so our officers can investigate these matters. You can confidently speak with specialist officers and will be supported throughout any investigation.”
You can report a crime via www.cumbria.police.uk/report-it . You can also call on 101
If you have been affected by rape or sexual assault, please get in touch with The Bridgeway Sexual Assault Support Service’s 24/7 free helpline on 0808 118 6432.
A list of services in your postcode area is summarised here: www.sexualviolencesupport.co.uk.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.