A 30-year-old man described as a 'predatory individual' has been jailed for more than a decade for carrying out sickening sex attacks on two women while they slept.
James Nolan, formerly of Belper, was sentenced to 10-and-a-half years in prison at Derby Crown Court on April 20 after admitting to rape and sexual assault charges. The court heard that Nolan raped one woman in the early hours at an address in Derby while she drifted in and out of sleep. He also sexually assaulted her during the same incident.
While awaiting trial for those offences, Nolan struck again. A second woman woke up to find him sexually assaulting her. He was later charged with sexual assault by penetration and initially denied the offence, leading to a trial date being set. However, in November 2025, Nolan changed his plea and admitted to the rape of the first woman and the sexual assault of both victims.
In addition to the prison sentence, Judge handed Nolan indefinite restraining orders protecting both women. He will also be required to register as a sex offender with the police indefinitely.
Detective Constable Michelle Arnold, who led the investigation into the first incident, praised the victims for their bravery. 'The two women in this case showed real bravery by coming forward and reporting Nolan's crimes to us. I know there was a lot of worry and uncertainty for both victims throughout, from making an initial report and concerns about being believed, to Nolan initially refusing to admit his crimes which made the ordeal of a trial a very real prospect. I'd like to thank both women for having the courage to speak with us and trusting us to seek justice on their behalf.'
Detective Constable Jeannette Gardner, who investigated the second incident which occurred two years after the first, described Nolan as a 'predatory individual'. She added: 'Despite it taking several years for the case to conclude in court, the women remained steadfast with their support for the police investigation and wider legal proceedings. Their persistence has led to this outcome at court, with Nolan being taken off the streets and unable to cause any further harm.'
