A man has been convicted of rape, attempted rape, and voyeurism following a harrowing investigation that revealed he had assaulted a woman while she was asleep and filmed the incident. The perpetrator, Sands, who was known to the victim, committed the attack after the victim had explicitly told him she did not consent.

The case was brought before Canterbury Crown Court, where Sands faced multiple charges. The court heard that, in addition to the rape, Sands had recorded the assault on his phone, further compounding the violation. After a thorough investigation, which uncovered damning evidence on Sands’ phone, he was found guilty on all counts.

Sands appeared in court on Friday, August 23, 2024, for sentencing, following his conviction earlier this year. The case has highlighted the grave impact of sexual offences and the importance of bringing perpetrators to justice.

Detective Sergeant David Hinwood, the investigating officer from Kent Police, spoke out about the case, stating, “Sands failed to accept responsibility for these terrible offences and thereby forced his victim to relive her ordeal in court. I would like to praise her for coming forward to report him and supporting the prosecution. I hope the resulting jail term gives her some sense of closure as she continues to rebuild her life.

DS Hinwood also urged others who may be suffering in silence to seek help, saying, “I urge anyone who has been the victim of sexual offences at the hands of someone they know to report it to us as soon as possible. We will support you and work to bring the offender to justice.”

This case serves as a reminder of the bravery required to report such crimes and the critical role of law enforcement in supporting victims and holding offenders accountable. Sands’ conviction underscores the seriousness of sexual violence and the commitment of the justice system to protect victims and deliver justice.