Man, 21, jailed for raping woman while she slept

Kian Westcarr was found guilty by a jury and has been given a nine-year jail sentence

A man has been jailed for nine years for raping a women while she slept in 2022.

Kian Westcarr, 21, of Evenlode Road, Tuffley, Gloucester, was found guilty of one count of rape by a jury during a trial in August and was sentenced at Gloucester Crown Court on Friday.

During the trial, the jury heard that the victim woke up to find Westcarr raping her. She reported it to police and officers arrested Westcarr who had claimed the woman was awake and that they had consensual sex.

Gloucestershire Police detectives paid tribute to the "incredible courage and dignity" of the victim who said she was now "trying to rebuild her life".

The woman said: "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.

"I hope that the sentence given reflects not only the seriousness of what was done to me, but also the lifelong impact it has had.

"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."

Westcarr's defence barrister said that the 21-year-old was a polite and respectful young man with potential, and that he had made a decision that was entirely wrong and one he will very much regret.

Sentencing Westcarr, recorder Donald Tait said: "You took advantage of the victim. She thought she was safe [with you], she obviously was not."

Det Con Laura Davies said: "The victim in this case has carried herself with incredible courage and dignity throughout the investigation and trial process.

"Her unwavering commitment has resulted in him receiving a lengthy custodial sentence."