Rapist has been handed an extended jail sentence following a raft of offences.

Dangerous Rapist Sentenced to Extended Jail Term

Connor Tabner, currently incarcerated at HMP Berwyn but formerly of Prestatyn, was sentenced at Mold Crown Court on Friday for a string of offenses.

The 23-year-old had previously been convicted of multiple offenses, including three of a sexual nature: rape, assault by penetration, and sexual assault. Prosecutor Myles Wilson informed the court that Tabner had a history of violent offenses against women.

The court heard that upon being found guilty by a jury of the sexual offenses, Tabner directed a tirade of foul abuse from the dock towards the jurors. It took two prison officers to remove him from the courtroom. Judge Simon Mills described it as the worst outburst from a defendant he had witnessed, short of actual violence.

Defense attorney Philip Clemo acknowledged Tabner's remorse for his actions, stating, "He wishes to express remorse for those actions. What he did was highly inappropriate. He apologizes profusely for the outburst at the end of the trial."

Mr. Clemo conceded that Tabner would face a lengthy prison sentence for his crimes. "The fact remains," he continued, "one day he will be out of prison and he will still be - relatively speaking - a young man. What will neither help him nor others is for any hope for a productive life to be snuffed out. Prior to the events leading up to his arrest, he had everything set up so he could set up a business and run it. He does have realistic ambitions to be a decent member of society. The issue here is if Your Honor concludes he is a dangerous offender. I say he is perhaps more a 'damaged' young man than truly dangerous. But that doesn't mean punishment isn't richly deserved for that which the Jury found him guilty of. There's some measure of hope in his recognition that he needs to address his behaviour."

Judge Mills declared that he had concluded Tabner was indeed a "dangerous offender" and that a standard determinate sentence would not adequately protect the public. Therefore, with rape as the lead offense, the Judge imposed an extended sentence of 15 years, consisting of 12 years of custodial confinement followed by a three-year extended license period.

Tabner must serve at least two-thirds (eight years) of the custodial term before being eligible for release on license by the parole board. However, if the parole board denies release, he may be required to serve the full 12 years behind bars.

Tabner's sentence also included concurrent prison terms for other offenses, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm, strangulation, and controlling/coercive behavior. He will be subject to the notification provisions as a sex offender for the rest of his life.