A WOMAN was terrified when, as she was quietly reading a book in Leamington library, a man lay on the floor, grabbed her ankle and began kissing her foot.
Luke Rudge then followed up that bizarre behaviour by sniffing the woman’s boots, which she had taken off, telling her she had beautiful feet.
And after hearing Rudge had previous convictions for sexual offences, a judge at Warwick Crown Court imposed an extended sentence totalling nine years and two months.
The 33 year-old of Grove Street, Leamington, had pleaded guilty to a charge of sexual assault.
Under the extended sentence he was jailed for 14 months, of which he will have to serve two-thirds, and he will then be on licence for a further eight years at the end of the 14-month term.
During the whole period he will be liable to be recalled to prison if his behaviour gives any cause for concern.
Prosecutor Aliya Rashid said in 2011 Rudge was jailed for four years for indecently assaulting a 14-year-old girl in a Leamington park.
Rudge, who had confessed to that attack while he was subject to a community order for another sexual assault, was also ordered to register as a sex offender for life.
He was released in March this year after serving two-thirds of the four-year sentence.
Early in November a 57-year-old woman went to Leamington library, and as she sat reading a book she took off her boots to make herself more comfortable.
She then became aware of Rudge staring at her, smiling, and although she turned away from him he walked over and began telling her she had beautiful legs and feet.
His comments made her feel uncomfortable, and she was shocked when he then lay on the floor under her legs and grabbed her ankle with both hands and started kissing her foot.
Despite the woman’s desperate attempts to pull free, he held on and after letting go he began to sniff her boots.
He then left, and the woman reported the matter to library staff who contacted the police – and officers were swift to identify Rudge as the person responsible.
When he was questioned Rudge admitted what he had done.
Andrew Tucker, defending, said Rudge had hoped to get help for his sexual behaviour while serving his last sentence but did not get a place on a sex offender’s course.
Mr Tucker added: “He is only too well aware that he does need help, and he is desperate to have access to that.”
Judge Alan Parker said during an extended period on licence Rudge could be required to take part in a sex offender programme, which he recommended ‘in the strongest terms.’
He told Rudge: “The probation officer has correctly assessed you as presenting a high risk of serious harm to the public. I am satisfied you are dangerous.”
Pe5rvert Luke Rudge has been jailed for Leamington Library assault. (s)
