Man who raped vulnerable woman jailed for five years

Matthew Charlesworth was a "dangerous offender," said a judge at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court

A man described by police as a "real risk to the public" has been jailed after admitting raping a vulnerable woman.

34-year-old Matthew Charlesworth of Shelton, Stoke-on-Trent assaulted the woman at a property in the city in August 2023, and was arrested and charged the following day.

He was sentenced to five years in prison, with seven years on extended licence at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on Wednesday.

The judge said that Charlesworth’s history made him a dangerous offender, stated Staffordshire Police.

“Charlesworth presents a real risk to the public and this is reflected in the sentence he has been given by the courts," said DC Benjamin Lee from the force.

The detective praised the victim's bravery for reporting what happened to them, and hoped the outcome would help her "find an element of closure."