A man who raped two young women in a Holiday Inn hotel and sexually assaulted a third after spiking her drink has been sentenced to 12 years in prison.
A Night Out in Shrewsbury Turns to Horror
Philip Duffield, aged 25 and from Grosvenor Road in Solihull, was declared a 'dangerous offender' by a judge at Birmingham Crown Court. The court heard how his crimes began during a night out in Shrewsbury on 26 April 2024. Duffield targeted his first two victims, then aged 18 and 20, at the Shrewsbury Hotel Wetherspoons before the group moved to other venues.
Duffield had booked a room at a Holiday Inn in advance. CCTV footage later captured him carrying one of the unconscious young women into the hotel. In the room, his friend struck or pushed the 20-year-old, causing her to fall and injure her face. While she was in the bathroom, Duffield raped the 18-year-old on the bed. He then raped the 20-year-old when she returned to the bedroom, committing the act in front of the first victim.
A Second Attack While on Bail
One of the women reported the attack to police the next morning, leading to Duffield's arrest. He answered 'no comment' in interview and was released on bail. However, on 4 December 2024, while still on bail, he attacked again. After a night at the Glamorous nightclub in Birmingham, he took a woman to his home.
When she asked for a glass of white wine, Duffield refused and instead gave her vodka mixed with Fanta and 'something else'. The woman quickly began drifting in and out of consciousness. She later woke to find she was bleeding and being sexually assaulted by Duffield. Medical evidence showed her eyes were flickering and she was hallucinating.
Sentencing of a 'Dangerous' Offender
Following a trial, Duffield was found guilty of two counts of rape and one count of assault by penetration. Sentencing him on Wednesday, 7 September, Judge Heidi Kubik KC stated she was satisfied he had spiked the third victim's drink to facilitate the offence.
Judge Kubik told Duffield: "You raped them when they were semi-conscious through extreme intoxication and unable to resist your sexual advances. They were particularly vulnerable because of their state." She branded him unrepentant and lacking any insight into the impact of his actions.
The 18-year-old victim from Shrewsbury said the attack left her with anxiety, depression, and nightmares, forcing her to quit college. The 20-year-old described a similar profound impact.
Despite defence claims of Duffield's previous good character and 'sexual immaturity', Judge Kubik noted he was a university graduate who had held a good job. Duffield was sentenced to 12 years in prison with an extended three-year licence period. He must serve at least two-thirds (eight years) before being considered for release.
