Rape victim left 'scared in own home' after attack

Paul Kibble raped and sexually assaulted a woman

The victim of a "horrific" rape and sexual assault has said she feels scared "in her own home" as her attacker is jailed.

Paul Kibble, 42, from Bath was sentenced to six years on 31 May at Bristol Crown Court for assaulting a woman in Bath last year.

The victim said: "I cannot step into town to go shopping; I am scared in my own home, and I have been unable to return to work since the assault."

Det Con Alice Chandler from Avon and Somerset Police said: "Kibble has continually denied responsibility for his actions, and it is thanks to the victim’s continued support and fortitude that we have been able to ensure a dangerous man is no longer on our streets.”

'You will be believed'

During the trial the court heard Kibble and the woman were in a house in October 2023 when he sexually assaulted and raped her.

He was said to have refused to take no for an answer and continued to engage in sexual activity for his own gratification without the woman’s consent.

On Friday, majority guilty verdicts were returned by the jury at Bristol Crown Court for rape and sexual assault.

Ahead of sentencing the victim shared her victim impact statement.

She said: “It has affected me in so many different ways, words cannot even describe how I feel each day.

“I feel like something has been taken from me, something that I am never going to be able to get back, but I hope that this result will encourage others to speak up.”

Kibble, who lived in Bath, has been placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely.

Det Con Chandler said: “The bravery and strength the victim has shown throughout this case has been truly commendable.

"She has shown a tremendous level of courage from the day of reporting right until the verdicts were received, demonstrating dignity and respect throughout the investigation and trial despite being the victim of such horrific offences."

She added the work of support agencies has been invaluable.

“Throughout this investigation, we have worked in collaboration with numerous agencies whose services have been invaluable and the positive result in this case goes far in reinforcing the need for effective multi-agency working.

"It does not matter if you report something to us five minutes after it happens or five years. You will be believed and those crimes will be thoroughly investigated.”