On 30 March 2022, Kent Police received a report that James Golding had assaulted and raped a woman at his home earlier in the month.

Despite the woman’s attempts to leave, Golding had dragged her back and locked the door to stop her from leaving. During the evening, he subjected his victim to violence, and sexual assaults and pressured her into having drinks laced with ecstasy tablets.

The 43-year-old, of Queens Road, was charged on 4 April 2022 with false imprisonment, administering a substance with intent to overpower to allow sexual activity, assaults, rape, sexual assault, and voyeurism.

Upon his arrest, officers seized his phones, a hard drive and a laptop and reviewed what had been saved on those devices. The investigation team found footage of Golding raping another woman and a new investigation was launched to identify the victim and gather evidence.  It resulted in two additional counts of rape being authorised against Golding.

He was sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court to a total of 19 years in custody on Monday 24 June 2024 after he was found guilty of the offences following a trial. He must also spend an additional four years on licence upon his release.

Kent Police Detective Constable Robert Potter said: ‘In cases such as this, our priority is to ensure the victims are heard and supported. Through the detailed work undertaken to investigate Golding in relation to one incident, further evidence of offending was uncovered by officers. We brought that evidence before the courts to ensure the extent of his dangerous behaviour against women was known and taken into consideration for sentencing.’