An Altrincham-based millionaire businessman was today jailed for 15 years after being found guilty of the historic rape of two women.
Jones, 55, was last week convicted of drugging and raping two young women in his flat in Salford in the 1990s.
Jones has already spent 10 months in jail after being found guilty at a trial in January of the sexual assault of a woman in a London hotel room in 2012.
At Manchester Crown Court today, Judge Sarah Johnston told Jones he would serve 14 years for the rape of Woman A, concurrently with a sentence of seven years in respect of the rape committed on Woman B.
He was ordered to serve a year, consecutively, for sexual assault, amounting to a total of 15 years.
Jones, of Brooks Drive in Hale Barns, was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders' Register for life, and pay court costs of £52,242.
He showed no emotion in court as the sentence was passed down.
Judge Johnston said she could "mitigate" his offending, and although saying she had read a letter from his wife detailing the impact on his family, added: “I am sure you feel guilty for them, but for your offending there is no remorse.”
Immediately prior to handing down the sentence, the judge had said: "These three offences highlight that you thought you could behave with impunity.
"They are characterised by entitlement, dominance and a total lack of regard for the rights and freedoms of these women, and in my view, an element of sinister premeditation."
Before his downfall, the father of four had built a £700million fortune as co-founder of Manchester-based hosting company UKFast.
A dominant figure on the Northern tech scene, he had been appointed MBE in 2015 for services to the digital economy, and had twice donated £100,000 to the Conservative Party.
Detective Constable Stewart of Greater Manchester Police said: "Our heartfelt appreciation goes to the remarkably courageous women who stepped forward to share the harrowing experiences they endured at the hands of Jones.
"Their bravery and strength have been instrumental in holding Lawrence Jones accountable for his heinous actions. We express our sincere thanks for their immense bravery throughout this challenging investigation and trial.
"With this sentencing, we aim to deliver a clear message to survivors of rape and other sexual offenses — Greater Manchester Police will listen and will support you no matter who was involved or when it happened. No one should carry the weight of silence, and we encourage all victims to step forward and report these crimes to us.
"Greater Manchester Police remains dedicated in our unwavering pursuit of those responsible for rape and other sexual offenses. We also remain committed to protecting and safeguarding victims and survivors, ensuring they receive the support and justice they rightfully deserve.”
