Michael Holmes

Michael Holmes, a 42-year-old bare-knuckle fighter known as Rocky from Virginia Court, West Cornforth, County Durham, was sentenced at Teesside Crown Court for a series of vile attacks on a woman. The court heard how Holmes became enraged with his victim and pulled the trigger on a crossbow, but it failed to fire correctly, causing the bolt to miss. In another incident, the well-built bully punched the woman three times in the face, leaving her with a broken nose that required surgery.

Judge Jonathan Carroll branded Holmes a dangerous offender and a sexual, physical, and emotional bully during the sentencing. He highlighted Holmes' use of his size, bulk, and dominating personality as a bare-knuckle prize fighter to disregard the victim's wishes and feelings, employing force and intimidation to suppress her. The judge passed a 19-year extended prison sentence, warning family members against any outbursts or supportive displays in court.

Holmes was convicted of two counts of rape, one count of attempted rape, sexual assault, causing grievous bodily harm with intent, and attempting to cause grievous bodily harm. The case was reported by Graeme Hetherington, Crime & Court Reporter for The Northern Echo, based on proceedings at Teesside Crown Court in the North East of England.