Twelve-year sentence for Canterbury rapist

A 12-year prison sentence has been imposed on a man who raped a woman in the Canterbury area.

Lloyd Sands was arrested in October 2019, hours after his victim contacted police and told them of the offences.

An investigation found he had raped his victim, who was known to him, in her sleep and after she told him she did not consent.

Charges

He also filmed an offence, footage of which was found on his phone as part of the investigation.

Sands was charged with rape, attempted rape and voyeurism and convicted following a trial at Canterbury Crown Court.

The 30-year-old, formerly of Plymouth, Devon, appeared before the same court on Friday 23 August 2024 and was jailed for 12 years.

Bringing offenders to justice

Detective Sergeant David Hinwood, Kent Police's investigating officer, said:

'Sands failed to accept responsibility for these terrible offences and thereby forced his victim to relive her ordeal in court. 'I would like to praise her for coming forward to report him and supporting the prosecution. I hope the resulting jail term gives her some sense of closure as she continues to rebuild her life. 'I urge anyone who has been the victim of sexual offences at the hands of someone they know to report it to us as soon as possible. We will support you and work to bring the offender to justice.'