A shocking case of sexual predation has come to light in Peterborough, where Craig France, a 33-year-old man, was sentenced to over 10 years in prison for his horrific crimes against women.
France, who meticulously planned his assaults by targeting young women in nightclubs, lured them to his home, plied them with alcohol, and took advantage of their unconscious state.
His disturbing acts included secretly filming his victims without their knowledge, a crime that police believe may have affected even more women than those identified so far.
Predatory Behavior and Crimes
Craig France operated with a methodical approach, preying on vulnerable women in nightclubs and social settings. He used alcohol as a tool to incapacitate his victims, making them susceptible to his abuse.
According to police reports, Craig France had set up hidden cameras in his home, which he used to record himself committing heinous sexual acts on women who were either unconscious or asleep. His actions not only violated the trust and dignity of his victims but also demonstrated a high level of premeditation and deceit.
One of the victims, who reported him to the authorities, revealed that she had been raped by France two years earlier but only recently discovered that he had filmed the assault.
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She recalled waking up in his bed with no memory of what had occurred, except for the unsettling feeling that something had happened to her. Upon investigation, police discovered more than 6,000 images and videos in France’s possession, many of which featured unidentified women who had been secretly recorded between March 2022 and September 2023.
Police Investigation and Court Proceedings
France’s arrest in September last year led to a detailed investigation by law enforcement officers. As they combed through the extensive video evidence, they identified at least four victims.
One of the victims was seen in a disturbing video appearing lifeless while France sexually assaulted her. In another horrifying clip, Craig France was recorded dragging a victim across a concrete floor and dropping her into a hot tub while she was completely incapacitated.
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During the court proceedings at Cambridge Crown Court, Craig France initially denied all allegations. However, as the evidence mounted against him, he eventually pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including rape, sexual assault, voyeurism, and exposure.
The court sentenced him to 10 years and seven months in prison, along with an indefinite sexual harm prevention order to ensure that he does not reoffend upon his release. The presiding judge, Mr. Justice Mark Bishop, condemned France’s actions, describing him as a “predatory” and “misogynistic” individual who posed a toxic risk to society.
The judge also noted that France’s attraction to risky behavior, coupled with a sense of entitlement and poor self-esteem, made him a danger to women. He further observed that France had not offended since entering a new relationship, but this did not absolve him of his past crimes.
Impact on Victims and Society
The emotional and psychological toll on France’s victims has been severe. Many of them have expressed feelings of shame, violation, and lasting trauma. One victim stated that she felt France had “taken her dignity,” while another described feeling “disgusted” by what had happened to her.
The police have urged any other potential victims to come forward, as they believe there could be more women who were unknowingly filmed or assaulted by France.
Detective Constable Em Scates, who led the investigation, commended the survivors for their bravery in speaking out against France. She described the case as one of the worst she had encountered in her 23-year career as a police officer.
She emphasized that Craig France was a “depraved and calculating” sexual predator who posed a significant threat to women and society as a whole. As this case unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by sexual predators who exploit trust and vulnerability for their own gratification.
The conviction of Craig France is a step toward justice for his victims, but it also highlights the need for continued vigilance and support for survivors of sexual violence. Authorities continue to encourage any other potential victims to report their experiences so that they too can seek justice and closure.
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