Wigan rapist jailed for six years after damning DNA evidence exposes lies

A rapist from Wigan whose lies were exposed by DNA evidence, has been jailed for six years.

James Fitzgerald reappeared before a Bolton Crown Court judge, which convicted him of two sex attacks on a 21-year-old woman last month, to learn his fate.

The 37-year-old of Mayfair Drive, Marus Bridge, had denied charges of rape and sexual assault of the same victim on October 13. 2018.

After days of evidence, the jury failed to reach a unanimous verdict but after the judge said a majority would be allowed, he was convicted of both offences by 11 jurors to one. The hearing was told that immediately after she was subjected to her ordeal the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, told her boyfriend and the police were called.

Following his arrest forensic experts seized Fitzgerald’s clothing and examined his body, finding traces of his victim’s DNA in an intimate

place.

Likewise, the court heard, traces of Fitzgerald’s DNA were also detected on the young woman’s clothing which backed up her account of what happened.

The defendant continued to maintain his innocence, but following conviction he was remanded in custody pending a sentencing hearing.

And now he has been given three years in prison for the sexual assault and six years for the rape, the sentences running concurrently.

Once out of jail Fitzgerald will have to sign onto the Sex Offenders’ Register for the rest of his life.

An indefinite restraining order will also prevent him from having any future contact with his victim.

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