Hull: Man sentenced to 15 years after targeting woman in Hull pub

A sadistic man who attacked a vulnerable woman in a Hull pub has today been sentenced to 15 years behind bars after previously being found guilty at trial.

Leon Chantler (30) of Great Thornton Street was sentenced at Hull Crown Court, today (Thursday 13 May) to 15 years imprisonment following the sickening assault.

The court heard how Chantler was arrested after a woman reported that she had been raped by an unknown man after visiting a bar on Princess Avenue, Hull on Friday 3 January 2020.

Whilst out of view of staff, praying on her vulnerable state Chantler approached the victim in Pearson’s Bar, Hull where he provided her with comfort and reassurance before taking her to his nearby private flat and raping her.

Following the assault, in a distressed state, the victim fled the bar and was followed by Chantler but thankfully a member of the public intervened and took her to safety.

After, Chantler showed no signs of remorse for his sickening actions and denied the ordeal he had put his victim through had ever happened.

Detective Constable Robert O’Neill said: “The sentence reflects the serious nature of the assault and reinforces that the nobody should be left to feel unsafe at whilst on a night out.

“This victim has been extremely brave in coming forward and helping us with our enquires, we know that the memories of this dreadful event may never go away but we hope that by bringing this man to justice it will go some way to help in her recovery.

“I would like to provide reassurance to anyone who may have suffered a sexual assault, if you come to us and report your assault we will listen to and support you and act against those responsible.

“We work in partnership with the local authority and a number of local charities and agencies to ensure victims of this type of crime are offered advice and support whether they decide to pursue through the justice system or not.

“If you have been the victim of rape or sexual assault, there are various ways you can report it to the police. You can speak to independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, or you can report directly through our 101 number, or 999 in an emergency.