Carl Thomson, aged 55, now of Portishead, North Somerset, and formerly of Paignton, Devon, has been sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment at Exeter Crown Court after being convicted of rape and serious sexual offences against a woman inside her own home.
The court heard that Thomson initially established contact with the victim via an online platform in March 2023. In early April of that year, the pair arranged to meet in person, going for a walk and having dinner so the complainant could show Thomson around the local area. Following the initial meeting, Thomson’s communications escalated, becoming increasingly explicit and sexualised.
On 13 April 2023, Thomson attended the woman’s home address. While inside the property, Thomson launched a sustained sexual attack, subjecting the victim to rape and serious sexual assaults. During police inquiries and trial proceedings, the survivor explained that she was forced to submit to Thomson’s physical advances due to an immediate and overwhelming fear for her personal safety.
Under the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act, all victims of sexual offences are entitled to lifelong statutory anonymity. It is a criminal offence to publish or broadcast any details likely to lead to the public identification of the complainant.
The victim formally reported the offending to Devon and Cornwall Police on 18 April 2023. Acting on the report, detectives traced Thomson and executed an arrest at Bristol Airport before he could depart the area.
During formal police interviews, Thomson claimed that the sexual encounters had been consensual. However, following a trial at Exeter Crown Court, a jury dismissed his defence and found him guilty of:
- One count of rape
- One count of sexual assault by penetration
- One count of sexual assault
Appearing for sentence on Friday, 2 October, Thomson was condemned by His Honour Judge Patrick, who observed that the victim had extended genuine kindness towards Thomson, which he misinterpreted as sexual interest before forcing himself upon her. The judge emphasised that the sustained assault had inflicted significant psychological trauma on the complainant.
Judge Patrick sentenced Thomson to an immediate determinate term of eight years’ imprisonment. Under current UK sentencing legislation for serious sexual offences, Thomson must serve at least two-thirds of his sentence in custody before being eligible to apply for parole. In addition to his custodial sentence, Thomson was made subject to mandatory lifetime notification requirements on the Sex Offenders Register.
Detective Constable Tia Smallridge, the officer in the case, commended the victim’s bravery throughout the investigation and trial process, describing Thomson as a dangerous sexual predator who gained the victim’s trust before committing a sustained attack in a private residence where she was entitled to feel secure.
Image – Anonymous Artist Impression
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