'Randlay Rapist' Jamie Findlater is locked up

A 20-year-old Telford man who raped a woman three times after dragging her into undergrowth near a freight rail line was today locked up indefinitely.

Jamie Findlater was told by Judge Peter Barrie at Shrewsbury Crown Court that he would pose a danger to women if he was released.

Findlater, of Doddington, Hollinswood, grabbed his 25-year-old victim from behind as she walked near Randlay Woods in August, 2009. The manhunt which followed led to the then teenager being dubbed The Randlay Rapist. Findlater had denied three charges of rape and one of robbery.

Today Judge Barrie handed Findlater an indeterminate sentence and warned him he must serve a minimum of 26 months in a young offenders' institute.

The judge said he was concerned that Findlater had shown no interest in attending sexual offender treatment programmes.

During the trial Mr Denis Desmond, prosecuting, said the victim was grabbed from behind, knocked over, and dragged through vegetation to a freight rail line before being raped. Afterwards her attacker took £30 from her, the court was told.

Today Mr Desmond said the woman had to undergo a number of tests for sexually transmitted diseases and go on medication in case she had HIV. She now felt extremely vulnerable, had difficulties with sexual relationships and avoided crowds.

He paid tribute to the dignified way she gave evidence during the trial.

Mr Timothy Harrington, for Findlater, said his client had been just 18 at the time of the offences and acted impulsively. He had used only minimum violence and had no previous convictions for sexual offences, he said.