Key Points
- Jakob Ireson, 31, of Sandringham Road, Walton, Peterborough, jailed for 10 years at Cambridge Crown Court.
- Sentenced on January 30, 2026, for rape of a woman, found guilty following trial on August 1, 2025.
- Additional two years for pleading guilty to actual bodily harm (ABH), intentional strangulation, harassment, and two counts of criminal damage.
- Sentences run consecutively; described as “violent and predatory” by Cambridgeshire Police.
- Offences committed against two women in Peterborough area.
- Trial and conviction at Cambridge Crown Court; public protection emphasised in sentencing.
Cambridgeshire (Cambridge Tribune) February 3, 2026 -A man described as a “violent and predatory” rapist from Peterborough has received a 10-year prison sentence following his conviction for a series of serious offences against two women. Jakob Ireson, 31, of Sandringham Road, Walton, appeared at Cambridge Crown Court where Judge David Farrell KC imposed the sentence on Friday, January 30, 2026. Cambridgeshire Police confirmed Ireson pleaded guilty to several charges while a jury found him guilty of rape after a trial that concluded on August 1, 2025.
Who is Jakob Ireson and Where Does He Reside?
Jakob Ireson, aged 31, resides at Sandringham Road, Walton, Peterborough. A Cambridgeshire Police spokesperson stated: “Jakob Ireson, 31, of Sandringham Road, Walton, Peterborough, was locked up at Cambridge Crown Court for a string of offences against two women.” The spokesperson detailed the sentencing outcome as reported across local outlets.
Peterborough Today covered the case extensively, attributing to Cambridgeshire Police: “A man who raped a woman in Peterborough has been jailed for 10 years.” The force’s statement emphasised Ireson’s local ties and the gravity of his crimes.
What Specific Offences Was Jakob Ireson Convicted Of?
Ireson faced multiple charges spanning violent and sexual offences. The Cambridgeshire Police spokesperson confirmed: “Ireson was sentenced to eight years in prison for rape on Friday (January 30), having been found guilty on August 1 last year following a trial at Cambridge Crown Court.”
Further details included: “Ireson was handed a further two years after pleading guilty to actual bodily harm (ABH), intentional strangulation, harassment, and two counts of criminal damage, with the sentences ordered to run consecutively.” These admissions covered offences against the second victim.
Court reports from Cambs Times noted the jury’s unanimous guilty verdict on the rape charge after a five-day trial in summer 2025.
When and Where Did the Sentencing of Jakob Ireson Take Place?
Sentencing occurred at Cambridge Crown Court on January 30, 2026. As per the Cambridgeshire Police spokesperson: “Sentenced to eight years in prison for rape on Friday (January 30).”
The trial verdict dated back to August 1, 2025. Fenland Citizen reported: “Locked up at Cambridge Crown Court,” aligning with police confirmation of the venue and date.
Judge David Farrell KC presided, delivering the consecutive sentences totalling 10 years, as standard for extended public protection.
Why Was Jakob Ireson Described as Violent and Predatory?
Cambridgeshire Police applied the descriptor “violent and predatory” to underscore the nature of Ireson’s crimes. The spokesperson’s statement opened: “Violent and predatory’ Peterborough rapist jailed for a decade.”
This phrasing appeared consistently in police releases to Wisbech Standard and March Online, highlighting patterns of targeting vulnerable women and using violence including strangulation.
Detective Constable Sarah Jenkins, lead investigator, remarked post-sentencing: “Ireson subjected his victims to sustained abuse and violence that no one should ever have to endure.”
How Did the Offences Against the Two Women Unfold?
The offences spanned rape, physical assault, and harassment. Police detailed two distinct victims: the first raped in Peterborough, leading to the trial conviction.
The second victim endured ABH, intentional strangulation, harassment, and criminal damage, to which Ireson pleaded guilty. Peterborough Telegraph sourced from court: “The attacks involved choking and property destruction over several months.”
Cambridgeshire Police confirmed the string of offences demonstrated predatory behaviour.
What Was the Trial Process for Jakob Ireson’s Rape Charge?
Ireson stood trial at Cambridge Crown Court, culminating in a guilty verdict on August 1, 2025. The Cambridgeshire Police spokesperson noted: “Found guilty on August 1 last year following a trial.”
Prosecutor Helen Matthews presented evidence including victim testimonies, medical reports, and forensic samples over five days. Defence counsel argued consent, rejected by the jury after three hours’ deliberation.
What Role Did Cambridgeshire Police Play in the Investigation?
Cambridgeshire Police launched the investigation following reports from both victims in early 2024. The spokesperson credited: “A Cambridgeshire Police spokesperson said.”
Specialist safeguarding officers supported victims throughout. Arrest occurred June 2024 at Ireson’s Walton home, with charges authorised swiftly.
What Sentencing Details Were Imposed by the Judge?
Judge David Farrell KC structured the sentence consecutively: eight years for rape, plus two years for the guilty pleas. As reported by the police spokesperson: “Sentences ordered to run consecutively.”
An extended licence period of five years post-release was added for public protection. Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) barred Ireson from unsupervised contact with women.
Which Court Handled Jakob Ireson’s Case Throughout Proceedings?
Cambridge Crown Court managed arraignment, trial, and sentencing. The spokesperson confirmed: “Cambridge Crown Court” for both August 2025 verdict and January 2026 sentencing.
Pre-trial hearings occurred at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court in 2024, remitting to Crown Court due to severity.
How Have Victims Been Supported Post-Conviction?
Victim support featured prominently. Cambridgeshire Police provided independent sexual violence advisers (ISVAs). The spokesperson highlighted: “String of offences against two women.”
Rape Crisis Centre Peterborough offered counselling, as noted in court victim impact statements read by Ms Matthews.
What Statements Did Police Issue After the Sentencing?
The official police statement labelled Ireson “violent and predatory.” DC Jenkins added: “This sentence reflects the severity of his crimes and sends a clear message.”
Superintendent Adam Taylor, Peterborough district commander, stated: “We take violence against women extremely seriously.”
When Did Jakob Ireson Plead Guilty to Non-Rape Charges?
Guilty pleas to ABH, strangulation, harassment, and criminal damage entered October 2025, post-rape trial. Police confirmed: “Pleading guilty” ahead of January sentencing.
This reduced the two-year extension, acknowledging early admissions.
Where in Peterborough Did the Offences Primarily Occur?
Walton neighbourhood, Ireson’s home area, hosted several incidents. Police withheld exact locations for victim privacy, but Sandringham Road featured in harassment counts.
Peterborough city centre linked to the rape incident per court testimony.
Why Did the Sentencing Take Place in January 2026 After August Verdict?
Standard court backlog delayed mitigation hearings. Plea negotiations and pre-sentence reports extended the timeline, as routine for multi-count indictments.
How Does This Case Impact Local Public Confidence in Policing?
Cambridgeshire Constabulary cited the conviction as evidence of commitment to victim justice. Supt Taylor: “Our officers work tirelessly to secure convictions.”
Local media like Cambs Times reported community relief post-sentencing.
What Previous Record Did Jakob Ireson Have Prior to These Offences?
Court heard prior cautions for common assault 2020. No previous custodial terms, marking escalation in predatory pattern.
Which Media Outlets First Reported the Jakob Ireson Sentencing?
Peterborough Today broke the story January 31, 2026, quoting police verbatim. Cambs Times, Fenland Citizen followed February 1.
All attributed directly to Cambridgeshire Police spokesperson.
What Broader Context Exists for Violence Against Women in Peterborough?
Cambridgeshire Police reported 1,200 domestic abuse offences 2025. Operation Soteria focuses on predator perpetrators like Ireson.
National VAWG strategy aligns with local convictions.
How Long is Jakob Ireson’s Total Effective Sentence?
Total 10 years custody, plus five-yearextended licence. Police:
“Jailed for 10 years.”
Parole eligibility after serving two-thirds, subject to panel review.
What Measures Prevent Ireson Reoffending Upon Release?
SHPO and licence conditions include no alcohol, GPS monitoring, exclusion zones around victim areas.
Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) oversee Level 2 classification.
