Luke Clements, the Bude Rapist, has been sentenced to nine years in prison for raping a lady and thereafter visiting her residence to slash her car tyres in an attempt to scare her.
Luke Clements, 52, previously of Upton, Bude, was sentenced at Truro Crown Court on Thursday, 2 October, after being found guilty by a jury of rape, sexual assault, sexual assault by penetration, witness intimidation, possession of a bladed instrument, and assault by beating.
Luke Clements had already admitted to criminal damage and involvement in the distribution of cocaine.
In addition to a nine-year prison sentence, he received a life-long restraining order to safeguard the victim and her family, and was permanently registered on the Sex Offenders’ Register.
During the trial, the court was informed that in March 2025, the victim claimed to have visited Luke Clements’ residence for a pre-arranged coffee meeting.
During her time at the property, she perceived a shift in the mood, which culminated in Luke Clements making non-consensual physical contact with her.
The victim reported that she tried to escape, but Luke Clements compelled her to ascend the stairs and assaulted her sexually. She promptly vacated the location and notified the authorities.
Officers arrived at Luke Clements’ residence that evening and apprehended him, with Luke Clements asserting that the sexual encounter was consensual.
He was freed the subsequent afternoon under bail conditions prohibiting any direct or indirect contact with the victim.
The following day, the victim discovered that her car tyres had been slashed with a knife, despite having no prior conflicts with her neighbours or anybody else.
An emergency alarm was subsequently installed at the victim’s residence. Shortly thereafter, the victim’s son observed the dogs barking.
Upon descending the stairs, he discovered Luke Clements within the residence. The son promptly activated the freshly installed alarm, summoning cops.
Clements, using a black mask and hood, assaulted the victim’s kid as he attempted to escape, brandishing a Stanley knife from his pocket.
The son successfully restrained Luke Clements until the authorities came. Luke Clements was apprehended, indicted, and detained.
Analysis of Luke Clements’ phone revealed evidence connecting him to the distribution of cocaine from 2022 to 2024.
Luke Clements commented on obstructing the victim’s door locks with silicone adhesive and was discovered in possession of a silicone gun upon arrest.
Detective Constable Tom Graham, officer in the case, said: “This conviction sends a clear message that such horrific crimes will not go unpunished.
“I want to pay tribute to the incredible bravery of the victim in coming forward and supporting this investigation. It takes immense courage to speak out, and her strength was vital in securing today’s outcome.
“We know how difficult it can be for survivors of sexual offences to report what has happened to them. I want to reassure anyone who has experienced anything similar that we will listen, we will believe you, and we will do everything in our power to seek justice.
“Our priority is always the safety, dignity and well-being of the victims, and we remain committed to working tirelessly to bring perpetrators of such horrific crimes like Luke Clements before the courts.”
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the people highlighted on this website, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report to Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.