Lee Bailey

Lee Bailey, a 33-year-old man from Great Sutton, Ellesmere Port, has been sentenced to 16 years in prison following his conviction for serious sexual offences against two women. The case, investigated by Cheshire Constabulary, culminated in a nine-day trial at Chester Crown Court in September 2025, where Bailey was found guilty of rape, attempted rape, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and controlling and coercive behaviour.

The offences against the first victim began to surface in February 2021 when she reported harassment by Bailey, leading to the imposition of a Non-Molestation Order. At that time, she disclosed a rape but was not ready to pursue a formal complaint. Bailey's abusive behaviour continued, including coercing her into sexual acts and forcing her out of a vehicle in a remote country lane at night without her mobile phone. In January 2023, she re-contacted police to report the breach of the order and formally pursue the rape allegation. Bailey was later convicted of breaching the Non-Molestation Order.

The second victim's ordeal came to light in August 2022 when she reported to police that Bailey had raped her after she had consumed alcohol on a night out, rendering her unable to consent. She also described an assault where Bailey stamped on her head. During police interview, Bailey admitted understanding that intoxication prevents consent but denied the offences. He was bailed with conditions prohibiting contact with the victim, yet he breached these within days by attempting to coerce her into retracting her statement.

Following thorough investigations by Cheshire Constabulary, Bailey was served with a postal requisition in June 2024 to face charges. He failed to attend a hearing in March 2025, leading to his arrest and remand until trial. The jury's guilty verdict in September 2025 marked the end of a protracted legal process. Bailey was sentenced on 31 October 2025 at Chester Crown Court.

Detective Constable Abi Axon of Cheshire Constabulary commended the victims' bravery, stating: “Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the bravery of the victims in this case who not only had the courage to report and speak about what had happened to them but also had to go through the stress of a trial. This significant custodial sentence is thanks to them, and I hope this gives them some closure, knowing that Bailey is now behind bars where he cannot do this to anyone else.” She further described Bailey as “a danger to women, and has no regard for the welfare of others, instead focusing on his own sexual desires, no matter the consequences.” The case underscores the challenges faced by victims in reporting sexual offences and the importance of persistent police work in securing justice.