Kian Westcarr, the Tuffley Rapist, a 21-year-old man, has been sentenced to nine years in prison after a jury unanimously convicted him of raping a woman while she slept.
Kian Westcarr was sentenced to imprisonment on Friday, 24 October, at Gloucester Crown Court for a single count of rape, perpetrated in 2022.
In an August trial this year, the jury was informed that the woman awoke to Kian Westcarr assaulting her.
She notified Gloucestershire Police about the event, and officers apprehended him that day.
During the police interview, Kian Westcarr, residing on Evenlode Road in Tuffley, Gloucester, stated that the woman was conscious and that they engaged in consenting sexual activity.
After an inquiry conducted by the Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Unit, the Crown Prosecution Service sanctioned a charge of rape.
Sentencing Kian Westcarr, Mr Recorder Donald Tait said: “You took advantage of the victim. She thought she was safe [with you], she obviously was not.”
A statement written by the victim was read to the court, in which she described how she had made two attempts to end her life after Kian Westcarr raped her.
She added, “I cannot remember some parts of the days immediately after the assault. My brain has blocked them out, perhaps to protect me. But the emotions remain: fear, grief, anger, and a deep sense of being robbed of who I used to be.
“This crime has taken so much from me: my trust; my peace of mind; my sense of safety in the world. It has coloured every decision, every relationship, every plan for the future. It has affected my education, my friendships and my mental health.
“I am trying to rebuild my life. Coming to court and seeing the process through has given me a small amount of hope that justice can help me move forward. But I know I will never be completely free of what happened. The memories and the scars, both physical and emotional, will always be part of me.
“I hope that the sentence reflects not only the seriousness of what was done to me, but also its lifelong impact. I want to be able to move forward, to regain my confidence, and to learn to trust again. More than anything, I want to live without the constant shadow of this crime hanging over me.”
In mitigation, Kian Westcarr’s defence barrister said that Kian Westcarr was a polite and respectful young man with potential, and that he had made an entirely wrong decision, which he would very much regret.
In sentencing Kian Westcarr to nine years in prison, Recorder Tait said: “You have no previous convictions, had a job and were well thought of. I agree that you were of positive good character before you did this, but I have a public duty to perform.
“Bearing in mind the messages you sent afterwards, you chose to fight the case, and the victim had to give evidence and go through the ordeal of the trial.
“If you had accepted responsibility, she would not have had to have done that. You get no credit for admissions, despite admitting it to her afterwards.
“Only a significant sentence is appropriate due to the effect this has had on the victim.”
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