Locations
Farina Close, Ipswich, IP1
Description
A 53-year-old man from Ipswich has been jailed for five years after being found guilty of the rape of a woman.
Leon Thomas, formerly of Farina Close in Ipswich, appeared before Ipswich Crown Court on Thursday 27 November for sentencing after being found guilty of rape by a jury at an earlier hearing.
He was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment and ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.
The court heard that Thomas and the victim were known to each other and that the attack had taken place at her home address.
A video recording had taken place at the time of the offence. Although visual footage was unclear, audio was captured. This was played to the court in which the victim is heard clearly asking the suspect to stop.
Investigation officer, Detective Constable William Wright said:
“Thomas took advantage of the victim and despite the clear audio evidence, he denied that he was the male in the recording or that he was guilty of any wrongdoing, thereby forcing the victim to relive the experience in court.
“This case serves as a reminder that consent is not optional.”