Double rapist from Folkestone jailed for 20 years

A Folkestone man who raped two women and subjected both victims to a campaign of physical and sexual torture has been jailed for 20 years.

Harry Arnold, 38, formerly of The Street, Newington, was convicted of multiple sexual offences following a trial at Canterbury Crown Court.

Investigation

A report was made to Kent Police in February 2020 after a victim disclosed Arnold’s previous offending. Officers immediately commenced enquiries and Arnold was arrested two days later.

A second victim later came forward, who had also been forced by Arnold to endure repeated physical and sexual abuse.

Both women, who were unknown to each other, had become the subject of humiliation and degradation as the offender indulged extreme sexual fantasies without their consent.

A thorough investigation was completed by specialist detectives from the force, which involved gathering, examining and analysing complex evidence, including extensive digital forensic data.

Fifteen electronic devices were reviewed, alongside extensive medical records, and multiple interviews were carried out to obtain witness statements before a case file was presented to the Crown Prosecution Service in February 2023.

Charges

Charges were later secured against Arnold and, after pleading not guilty, he was convicted at Canterbury Crown Court of controlling and coercive behaviour in February 2025.

The jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict for rape offences, leading to a second trial in March 2026.

Retrial

At the conclusion of the second trial, also at Canterbury Crown Court, Arnold was found guilty of a further eight offences including multiple counts of rape against both victims.

He was sentenced on Wednesday 13 May 2026 to 20 years in prison. He will serve an additional three years on licence when he becomes eligible for parole and will be subject to notification requirements of the sex offender register for life.

He was also issued with a restraining order and will be barred from working with children and vulnerable people indefinitely.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Lizzie Burridge, said: ‘The conclusion of this case has rightly resulted in a significant custodial sentence for a depraved sexual aggressor. It is a strong testament to the courage and resilience of Arnold’s victims, who endured unimaginable abuse and then faced the additional trauma of not one, but two trials, in order to see their attacker brought to justice.‘It also reflects the tenacity and professionalism of Kent Police officers who worked on the investigation, over several years, meticulously building a complex case, resulting in justice for the victims and the removal of a dangerous offender from the community.‘We remain committed to pursuing sex offenders and will always strive to ensure those responsible for such appalling offences are made to face the consequences of their crimes.’