A Leeds man, Ben Tate, has been sentenced to 19 years in prison for raping a teenage girl and a woman while they slept. Tate, 21, of St Wilfrids Avenue, Harehills, was convicted at Leeds Crown Court on two counts of rape and one count of coercive and controlling behaviour in relation to the teenage victim, as well as an additional rape charge involving the second victim.
Tate’s first victim, a teenage girl, endured repeated sexual abuse, threats, and financial exploitation at his hands. She initially disclosed the abuse but hesitated to support a prosecution until a second woman came forward, revealing similar attacks. Both victims courageously testified against Tate, leading to his conviction.
In addition to the prison sentence, Tate was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for life and was given lifelong restraining orders to prevent him from contacting his victims.
Detective Inspector Kelly Brown of the Leeds District Safeguarding Unit expressed concern over Tate’s behaviour, stating, “Tate’s offending against two separate victims, in the same way, is a worrying pattern of behaviour that shows he is a danger to women”n.” She praised the bravery of the victims and emphasized the importance of their testimony in bringing Tate to justice.
The lengthy sentence, Brown noted, underscores the seriousness with which the courts treat violence against women and girls. She hopes the case will encourage other victims of similar abuse to come forward, knowing they will receive support and that justice will be pursued on their behalf.
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