Teen Rapist Jailed for 8 Years After Preying on Girls in Bamber Bridge
Predator Strikes While on Bail
James Eastwood, just 16 when he first struck, lured a teenage girl into an alley near a Bamber Bridge supermarket in June 2019 and raped her. Shockingly, while free on bail, Eastwood attacked two more teenage girls in May last year.
Harsh Sentence for Dangerous Offender
Now 20, Eastwood from Brindle Road, Bamber Bridge, was locked up for eight years with an extended eight-year licence. He was slapped with a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order, a permanent restraining order, and will remain on the sex offenders’ register for life. The court branded him a dangerous offender.
Additional Charges for Child Porn Possession
Police also uncovered indecent images of children on Eastwood’s phone, leading to further sentencing. Due to Covid-related delays, the judge was forced to sentence him as a juvenile.
Police Praise Victims and Urge Others to Speak Out
Det Con Laura Thornley of the South Rape Team said: “Eastwood is a dangerous sexual predator and I welcome the sentence. I praise the victims for their courage throughout the court process to see their attacker imprisoned.”
“I hope this sentence encourages others to come forward and report rape and sexual abuse with the confidence our team will investigate with sensitivity, tenacity and professionalism. We’re committed to getting justice and putting offenders behind bars.”
