Knife-wielding sex attacker imprisoned for five years

A ‘CATEGORY One’ sex offender who tried to carry out two sex attacks on one night in south Belfast — while threatening his victims with a knife — has been given a five-year sentence.

Kim Sharratt (56) attempted to drag one of his victims down an alleyway while he had her in a headlock.

Belfast Crown Court heard both offences were carried out late on the evening of April 6 last year in the University/Botanic area. In both cases, Sharratt’s targets were lone females walking home.

The court also heard the Probation Board concluded it was “inevitable he will commit further offences and he poses a significant risk to females”.

Sharrett, from University Street in Belfast, pleaded guilty to two charges of assault with intent to commit a sexual offence.

Judge Geoffrey Miller QC said he was a man with a “history of 40 years of sexually inappropriate behaviour”.

Despite efforts by the justice system, Judge Miller said that “nothing has curtailed his behaviour”.

Sharratt was handed a sentence of five years, with Judge Miller imposing an extended period of three years on licence, for the protection of the public. Sharratt will be eligible for release after serving half his sentence, but only if deemed suitable by the Paroles Commission.