Brian Royce, of Dock Road, denied committing the crimes against the victim between April and May 2018, but was found guilty of rape and sexual assault following a trial.

The 54-year-old was later sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on Wednesday 20 March 2024.

Royce’s offending came to light in June 2018 after the victim disclosed the incidents to a friend, who encouraged her to report them to the police. He was subsequently arrested the same month and the incident was investigated by Detectives Steve Gibbons and Rachel Ford from Kent Police’s Rape Investigation Team.

PC Steve Hammond, who works as part of a team dedicated to the investigation of serious sexual offences, said:

‘The victim’s courage in coming forward to report her attacker and then give evidence at court is commendable. Her assistance to the investigation team was crucial and ensured they recovered sufficient evidence to bring this appalling individual to justice. His prison sentence ensures he will not be a danger to women for some years. 

‘Kent Police takes all allegations of sexual offences seriously and encourages victims of such crimes to report them with confidence, in the knowledge that claims will be investigated thoroughly and sensitively.’