Police praise victims of Liam Rodgers’ sex and knife crimes

Liam  Rodgers, 33, sexually assaulted the woman and while under investigation for that stabbed the man several times in an unrelated attack.  

Both had to wait more than two years to see justice and endure many delays and postponements in the court system.

Confining him in a secure psychiatric unit under the Mental Health Act, Judge Simon Hickey told Rodgers: “You are not likely to be released for many, many years, if ever”.

As The Press reported yesterday, had he not been schizophrenic, Rodgers, of no fixed address, would have been jailed for 16 years after he pleaded guilty to two sexual offences against the woman and causing grievous bodily harm with intent to the man.

Detective Constable Karen Everitt of North Yorkshire Police, who led the investigation into the sexual assaults that happened in September 2023, said: “The victim of these horrific sexual assaults was targeted by Rodgers who is a highly dangerous and manipulative man.

“Throughout the police investigation, she has shown remarkable strength and resilience. Her determination was driven by a desire to ensure that Rodgers could never treat anyone else in the same way again, and that he would finally be held accountable for his actions.

“This has been an extremely long and difficult journey for her, made even harder by the fact that Rodgers refused to take responsibility until the eve of the trial. As a result, she had to endure the full length of the police and CPS processes. Despite this, she has come through it and is now in a much stronger and happier place in her life.

“I hope she feels proud of herself for her courage in bringing Rodgers to justice and for ensuring that the public is now aware of him and his despicable behaviour. This outcome would not have been possible without the extraordinary strength she has shown throughout.”

Investigator Corrina Graham-Merrett of North Yorkshire Police said about the stabbing in January 2024: “Rodgers carried out a sudden and extremely violent attack on the victim, giving him no opportunity to defend himself or escape.

“The determination and courage shown by the victim throughout this investigation has been remarkable, especially given the fear and trauma he endured.

“Witnesses were clear that the nature of Rodgers’ actions made them believe he intended to kill, and today’s sentence reflects the gravity of that behaviour. I hope this outcome brings the victim some sense of justice as he continues to rebuild his life.”

A North Yorkshire Police statement said: “We never underestimate how difficult it is for survivors of sexual abuse to speak out and report what has happened.

But we hope cases like this one provide reassurance that victims will be listened to, treated with dignity and respect, and will be supported throughout the judicial process.

If you have been sexually abused, and you are not yet ready to report to police, please don’t suffer in silence.

Further information and details of support services can be found on our website: Support after rape and sexual assault | North Yorkshire Police.”