A dangerous sexual predator, Leon Austin, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the rape of a teenager and a young woman.
Leon Austin, 31, sexually assaulted the woman repeatedly in August 2022 near Bristol and was apprehended the following day.
While on bail, Leon Austin, who has no permanent residence, was charged with the rape of a 17-year-old in 2018 in Gloucestershire.
The victim of the last assault reported experiencing days “paralysed by an intense fear to engage in any activity, exit my room, take a shower, or eat”.
In August 2022, Leon Austin provided transportation to a woman in her twenties and made unwelcome sexual advances towards her during the ride, which she rejected.
Leon Austin pleaded guilty to five counts of rape.
Leon Austin stopped at a remote barn where he raped the woman. After the attack, she ran away, and Austin drove from the scene.
The victim managed to flag down a passing motorist and called the police. Leon Austin was arrested a couple of days later.
‘Scared and intimidated’
The woman told Bristol Crown Court: “There have been times that I have to go to my mum because I am concerned what I might do to myself.”
She said she had struggled to sleep or return to work because of the trauma caused.
“My friends struggle to understand what happened; they don’t want to be around me because I am not usually happy. I am often difficult to be around,” she said.
“My relationship and outlook on men in general has completely changed. I am so scared and intimidated of any man,” she added.
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The victim of the 2018 attack, now in her 20s, said she thought Leon Austin was going to kill her.
She said: “I was in the middle of nowhere. Nowhere to go or anyone to turn to.
“I thought ‘this is it’ that night and have continued thinking that afterwards.”
Leon Austin pleaded guilty in January to five counts of rape – two relating to 2018 and three to 2022 – and one count of attempting to choke, suffocate or strangle with intent to commit rape.
Officer in the case, DC Carl Spicer, said: “Leon Austin is a sexual predator who targeted younger vulnerable and alone females, providing them with drink or drugs. He then ignored their wishes when they did not consent to sex.”
“Both women have shown incredible levels of bravery and courage to report what happened to them and they should feel proud that by doing so has meant a dangerous man is behind bars.”
Leon Austin will need to serve five years on licence upon release.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 111 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.