A "DANGEROUS sexual predator" has been jailed for 14 years after being convicted of raping two women.

Philip David Knowles, aged 37, of no fixed address but from St Helens was convicted by a jury on May 6.

Today at Liverpool Crown Court a judge ruled he was a dangerous offender and jailed him for 12 years for four counts against one woman and 14 years for two further offences against his second victim.

Both women were known to Knowles, who detectives found had befriended them at vulnerable times in their lives.

In victim personal statements given to the judge before sentencing, one of the women described how she felt "worthless and degraded" following the attack but managed to "find the strength from within to tell the police".

She described still being "emotionally drained and a nervous wreck" 12 months since the assault but said the sentencing of Knowles was a "milestone".

The other women that Knowles attacked told the court in her statement that she was "delighted" he had been found guilty but said the attack had left her being "unable to trust new friends, was lacking in confidence and was more nervous around new people". She also suffered sleeplessness and depression.

She thanked the investigating officers, the Crown Prosecution Service and support services at the court for helping her through the ordeal.

Following the sentencing hearing, Detective Constable Justin Harrison, who investigated Knowles’ attack on the second women, said: “Philip David Knowles is a manipulative individual who has cynically formed relationships with both victims at vulnerable times in their lives.

"He subjected both women to a number of vicious and violent sexual assaults for his own sexual gratification then denied committing these crimes.

"I would like to praise the bravery and courage of both women for telling the police in the first instance and for the strength they showed in during the court process.

"Their support of the police investigation has led to a dangerous sexual predator being sent to jail for a very long time and to other women being protected from him.

“Merseyside Police will always listen to victims of sexual violence, whether it is recent or historic, and whatever the circumstances. We will treat all victims with sensitivity, compassion and as individuals with individual needs.

"There is a great deal of support and advice out there and we can put measures in place to help victims from the point they make a report to the police right through to the court hearing.

“I would urge anyone who has been sexually assaulted or raped to find it within themselves to tell someone what has happened to them so that they do not continue to suffer in silence.” 

Knowles was also ordered to serve an extra three years on licence when he is released from prison and placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.