Ipswich man who tried to rape teens sentenced to 21 years

Adiley Pires, who tried to rape two females, was told he would serve up to 15 years in custody and six years on licence

A man who a judge said "struck terror" into two teenagers by attempting to rape them has been given a 21-year sentence.

Adiley Pires, 25, from Ipswich, carried out his attacks on the females, who were aged 18 and 17, in 2021 and 2022.

He was convicted of two counts of attempted rape, one count of sexual assault and one count of assault by beating.

The victims told Ipswich Crown Court they had been seriously affected.

'Involuntary celibate'

One, who was 18 at the time of the attack, cried as she told the court she had lost her confidence, felt too scared to walk alone, had to leave her job, and took antidepressants for about 18 months.

Pires pushed her onto a planter in the early hours in October 2021 at the Ipswich Waterfront. He attempted to rape her, before being disturbed and then escaping.

In December 2022, Pires - wearing a balaclava - approached the 17-year-old victim from behind as she was walking towards Tower Mill Road in the town.

After pulling her to the ground, Pires covered her mouth and punched her in the face.

She manged to fight him off and others arrived after she called for help.

In a statement read on her behalf she said: "I do not feel safe walking anywhere alone at any time of the day."

Pires refused to attend court for his sentencing.

"The impact on their life has been significant and they have each suffered psychological harm," said Judge Emma Peters.

She described him as an "involuntary celibate" and said: "You appear to have been something of a loner, perhaps an inadequate man."

Pires admitted the assault by beating charge, but was only convicted of the other three charges following a trial in October.

He was told he would serve up to 15 years in custody and a further six years on licence.

Judge Peters added: "You struck terror into your victims and young women in Ipswich and you deserve thoroughly to be incarcerated."

Pires would also spend the rest of his life on the sex offenders' register.