'He is a danger': Sheffield dad launches campaign to fight for daughter's rapist to remain behind bars

Benjamin Recio-Nugent, now aged 31, was jailed for 12 years in 2016 but after serving half of his sentence behind bars is due to be released on licence next month.

The sex attacker, described by his rape survivor’s dad as a 'monster’ and ‘danger to girls and women everywhere’, subjected her to a seven hour ordeal.

Laura, a name used to protect her anonymity, was subjected to multiple rapes, had piping hot water poured over her and at one point had a sock stuffed into her mouth to stifle her screams.

Recio-Nugent, of Shirebrook Road, Meersbrook, was found guilty of rape, attempted rape, four counts of sexual assault by penetration and physical assault after a trial in which Laura was forced to re-live the traumatic experience.

With his release back into the community imminent, a petition has been launched calling for new rules recently introduced to prevent the early release of rapists from prison to also apply to those currently serving sentences.

The rape survivor’s father wants the petition to force the government into action to prevent his daughter, and others like her, from the prospect of seeing their attackers released back into the communities where they struck.

Laura’s father, using the pseudonym Ivan Gould, said if the law cannot be applied retrospectively, he wants Recio-Nugent’s licence conditions to include a ban from Sheffield.

Mr Gould said: “Politicians tell us that they are committed to making the streets safer for women; if they are serious, they should announce an immediate cessation of releasing rapists on licence.

“There must be hundreds of women in the UK, just like Laura, facing the same threat to their rightful pursuit of a life free of danger and further trauma. Laura has recently been informed that whole city exclusion zones are rarely considered; this needs to be changed.

“Her attacker is supposed to report to the police on his release and be monitored by the probation service. Expecting a sadistic narcissist to abide by the rules is of little comfort. He poses a danger to any woman he may meet.”

Having already raised his concerns with local MP Louise Haigh, Mr Gould wants the Government to take notice.

“He has never shown any remorse for what he did yet his rights to rehabilitation and integration back into society are being put before the rights of my daughter to a life where she feels safe,” said Mr Gould.

“My daughter should not have to live in fear of coming face to face to him, which is why if he is released we want a Sheffield wide exclusion zone put in place.

“Even if you accept that that monster is capable of reintegrating normally into society in the same city where he perpetrated his crime, it is totally unacceptable.

“When do my daughter, my wife and I get back a normal life? The answer is never because this violent act has polluted our lives. It affects us all every single day.”

To sign the petition visit the change.org website.

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