A 33-year-old man from Leeds has been sentenced to 19 years in prison after being convicted of serious sexual offences, coercive and controlling behaviour, and admitting stalking.
A Leeds man has been jailed for 19 years following a series of serious offences against three women.
Dale Knights, 33, of Kirkstall Lane, Leeds, was sentenced at Leeds Crown Court on Thursday, 1 October 2026.
Knights was convicted of two counts of rape and two counts of assault by penetration. He was also found guilty of engaging in coercive and controlling behaviour involving two other women and pleaded guilty to a further offence of stalking.
The court heard about the devastating and lasting impact of his actions on the victims.
In a personal statement, one woman described how her experiences had left her struggling with anxiety, depression and fear.
She explained that everyday situations, including visiting supermarkets, attending social gatherings and spending time in busy public places, had become extremely difficult.
The woman said she continued to experience panic attacks and had sometimes been forced to cancel plans or rely on others for activities she previously managed independently.
She told the court:
"The trial is now over, but for me, what happened has not ended. I have to live with the consequences every day."
Detective Constable Kieren Overton, of Leeds Adult Safeguarding, who investigated the offences, described Knights' actions as horrific and said they had caused lasting harm.
He said Knights had shown no remorse for his offending and expressed hope that the lengthy prison sentence would provide some comfort to the victims.
DC Overton also praised the courage of the three women in reporting their experiences and continuing through the court process.
He urged anyone experiencing sexual abuse, or concerned about someone else, to contact police.
West Yorkshire Police said specially trained safeguarding officers are available in Leeds to support victims, listen to their concerns and investigate reports.
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