Jail for man behind Folkestone rape and firearms offences

A jail term has been imposed on a man who brandished an imitation firearm before raping a woman in Folkestone.

Richard Scaife was arrested by armed officers after they were called to Tontine Street on the afternoon of Friday 5 November 2021.

Following an investigation by detectives from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, he was charged with two counts of rape and possession of an imitation firearm while committing an offence.

The 46-year-old, of Camden Crescent, Dover, was found guilty of all three charges following a trial at Canterbury Crown Court and was jailed for 20 years on Friday 29 July 2022.

Scaife had arranged to meet the woman, who was working as a sex worker, but after arriving at a flat in Folkestone he grabbed her by the throat and told her he had a knife.

He then raped the victim before getting a gun from his jacket and locking the door. He raped the woman for a second time, before she managed to talk him into leaving the property.

She phoned the police who attended the scene and arrested Scaife as he drove away.

Weapons found

A small folding knife, a bayonet and an imitation firearm were found in his car and strips of duct tape were attached to the inside of his jacket.

Further weapons, including a knuckleduster, samurai sword, machete and further imitation firearms were found during a search of his home.

Detective Sergeant Dan Barker, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: 'Scaife put this victim through a terrifying ordeal and - like the judge recognised in court - I would also like to praise her bravery in assisting our investigation and the resulting prosecution.

'Scaife’s actions and the weapons he had in his possession present a disturbing portrait of a man who posed a serious danger to women and girls.

'I am pleased the fast and professional response of officers on the day of the offences led to his quick arrest and the seizure of these weapons.

'Every woman and girl has a right to feel safe in the communities in which they live and that is why tackling violence against them is a priority for Kent Police.'

For more information on how Kent Police is tackling Violence Against Women and Girls, and safety advice, click here.