Rapist pub landlord jailed for 20 years

Benjamin Baxter is the former landlord of Cheers, in Wakefield

A former pub landlord has been jailed for 20 years for raping three women.

Benjamin Baxter, 38, was found guilty of four counts of rape and one count of controlling and coercive behaviour following a trial at Leeds Crown Court.

The court heard Baxter, who was previously the landlord at Cheers, in Wakefield, committed the offences between 2015 and 2024.

Judge Christopher Batty ordered that Baxter, of no fixed abode, should serve an additional five years on licence following his release from prison.

Det Con Hannah Banks said she hoped the sentence would bring reassurance to his victims, and the wider community.

"Baxter has demonstrated that he is a dangerous sexual predator who has committed offences against multiple victims," she said.

"These women have been subjected to the most awful ordeal.

"While they have shown courage in reporting these offences, and bravery in supporting the criminal justice process, Baxter has shown what a contemptible man he is.

"Not once during this process has he accepted responsibility for the harm he has caused, or shown any remorse."

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