Leeds teenager locked up for sex attacks on two victims

A judge told Jay Skey, 19, he posed a significant risk of causing serious harm to others in the future as he locked him up over the attacks, which took place in Leeds within days of each other.

Leeds Crown Court heard Skey targeted a young woman in December last year.

Michael Collins, prosecuting, said the victim described how she felt scared as Skey held her down by her wrists before carrying out the attack.

The sex attack lasted around ten minutes.

Police were informed after the victim confided in her father.

Skey then preyed on a child under the age of 13.

Mr Collins, prosecuting, said police were alerted by the victim’s mother when she told her what had happened.

Skey, who was 18 at the time of the offences, pleaded not guilty to two offences of rape and two of attempted rape of a child under the age of 13.

He was found guilty after separate trials in June and September this year.

The court heard Skey has previous convictions for theft and possession of a bladed article.

Robin Frieze, mitigating, said there was little he could say about either of the incidents as his client continued to deny the offences.

Mr Frieze urged Mushtaq Khokhar, QC, to impose an extended prison sentence rather than a life sentence because of Skey’s young age.

He said it may be possible to address his offending behaviour while in custody.

The judge told Skey he must serve a custodial period of ten years followed by an extended period on licence of five years.

The judge said: “If you were not the age that you are I would have no compunction in passing a life sentence in this case because of the seriousness and gravity of these matters.

“But it may be that with the assistance of others while you are in custody that you can change.

“I am going to give you that chance.”