James Barrass 37

Description

A dangerous rapist who attacked two women has been jailed for 24 years. James Barrass, 37, of Priory Grange, Blyth, Northumberland, was convicted by a jury at Newcastle Crown Court of offenses including rape, attempted sexual assault, and assault by penetration.

The judge described him as "extremely dangerous" and a public risk. Barrass must serve two-thirds of his sentence behind bars, sign the sex offenders register for life, and abide by indefinite restraining orders.

In her victim impact statement, one woman called him a "narcissist and a pathological liar" and detailed the devastation: "It's difficult for me to sum up how much of a negative impact he has had on my life.

"I was unable to sleep properly and I get night terrors and wake up soaked in sweat and I have flashbacks. My mental health has been just awful, including daily panic attacks."

She added: "He is not sorry at all. He is only sorry he was caught.

"The day the jury found him guilty and he was remanded is the first time in a long time I've slept properly. It was so nice to feel at peace.

"Now he is in prison he can't harm anyone. I feel like I've done everything I can to prevent him harming someone else. The worst thing is he has no remorse for what he has done."