Ipswich attempted rape case jailing a boost for victims

Adiley Pires, 25, and of Kensington Road in Ipswich, was sentenced to 21 years by Judge Emma Peters at Ipswich Crown Court on Wednesday.

The senior investigating officer on the case called Pires a "predator" and that "streets are now undeniably safer with him locked up".

The defendant did not appear to hear his sentence which was a custodial sentence of 15 years and an extended sentence of six years for two counts of attempted rape, one count of sexual assault and one count of assault by beating.

Women's rights activist Laura Polley (Image: Newsquest)

The offences occurred on the Waterfront in 2021 and on the river towpath near Tower Mill Road in December last year.

The first victim was aged 18, and the second was 17. Both young women were walking home alone, and neither was known to Pires.

In her sentencing at Ipswich Crown Court, Judge Emma Peters said that Pires had shown “not a shred of remorse” for his actions, and that she had no doubt he posed a risk of further offences.

Laura Polley, a criminology lecturer at the University of Suffolk, says the sentence showed victims they can get justice. 

Miss Polley has previously been involved in the Reclaim These Streets movement with Suffolk Rape Crisis, which was set up in the aftermath of the murder of Sarah Everard in 2021 to fight for safer public spaces for women.

“I think it sends a very clear message that rape or attempted rape will not be tolerated by the criminal justice system,” she said.

“It’s scary that he is one of many who present a threat to women. Hopefully this lengthy sentence can serve as an opportunity to show women that they can get justice, and to men that violence against women and girls will be taken to court, and they will be punished for it.”

She said that she was relieved for Pires’ victims that they had got justice, and hoped that this would enable them to heal.