Judge throws out rapist’s complaint of unfair trial

Paul David Cartwright (37), was jailed for 16 years at Sheffield Crown Court in January last year after jurors convicted him of five counts of rape.

His victim was described as "particularly vulnerable due to her youth”, and the impact of Cartwright's attacks on the youngster had been "severe", Mr Justice Nicol told London’s Appeal Court.

Cartwright (pictured), of Hawthorne Avenue, Rawmarsh, challenged both his conviction and sentence, claiming the trial judge was “biased” against him and criticising the lawyers who represented him.

But Mr Justice Nicol, sitting with Lord Justice Davis and Judge Richard Marks QC, said there was “no merit” Cartwright’s bid to clear his name.

The judge, sitting with Lord Justice Davis and Judge Richard Marks QC, acknowledged that the 16-year term was “tough” but said it was no more than was necessary to reflect “the totality of this serious offending against a very young girl”.

Refusing permission to appeal, he added: “The sentence may have been severe but it was not excessive.”