Mature student sentenced to 19 years for sexual offences

A mature student from Elvyn Richards Halls who met women online and then subjected them to horrific sexual assaults has been jailed for 19 years.

Albert Newton, 32, was sentenced for five offences, occurring between April 2013 and December 2014.

Newton’s 19 year conviction for the offences runs concurrently with a six year sentence for attempted rape, and three years for false imprisonment.

He met with women between the ages of 23-50 on three occasions, either raping or attempting to rape them during their meeting in Loughborough.

He also held one woman hostage in her home, and brutally kicked another in the abdomen.

Albert Newton, 32, carried out five attacks on women

Dr Manuel Alonso, Director of Student Services, reassured students about their safety.

In an email to ex-Elvyn residents he said: “The assaults did not take place on the university and did not involve university students as far as we are aware.”

Students have expressed shock and outrage at the events. Those who knew Newton said they could never have imagined he would behave in such a way.

Ben, a fourth year Engineering student who lived with Newton in Elvyn, told The Tab: “I always thought he was a bit weird, but I never thought he would be capable of something like this.”

Following release from jail, Newton will be on the Sex Offenders Register for life, and will also be given a sexual harm prevention order – known to prohibit holders from undertaking certain employment where they may pose as a threat.

Elvyn halls, where Newton lived

Detective Sergeant Neil Holden from Leicestershire Police’s rape investigation unit said: “He picked vulnerable women, exploiting them for his own sexual gratification, without their consent.

“All of the victims have shown tremendous courage and strength throughout the investigation and court proceedings.They have had to relive the assaults against them in order to bring Newton to justice.

“It is possible there are more women out there who have been victims of Newton – please if you believe you have, come forward and speak to us.”

If anybody has any further information, call 101 and ask to be put through to Leicestershire police.

If the issues raised have affected you, Loughborough University offers a counselling service available to all students here.