Locations
Ashley Avenue, Folkestone, Kent, CT19
Description
A 47-year-old man has been jailed for 18 years after raping and sexually assaulting a woman in his car at 4am. A Detective from Kent Police has labelled the incident ‘despicable’ and has said tackling violence against women and girls is one of the forces key priorities.
Peter Wrotchford, formerly of Ashley Avenue, Folkestone, targeted the victim as she walked in the Tram Road area of the town at around 4am on September 4, 2022.
After raping the woman, Wrotchford then drove her to various locations near Folkestone and carried out sexual offences, before driving her to the address of a friend of hers. Once at her friend's home, the victim told her about the incident and it was reported to Kent Police.
An investigation connected Wrotchford’s vehicle a white Ford Connect being connected to the offence. The Police arrested him the day after the incident took place and he was charged with rape and sexual assault on September 6.
Wrotchford was found guilty of rape and sexual assault charges following a trial and was jailed for 18 years at Canterbury Crown Court on 14 April 2023. He will serve an extra four years on licence.
Detective Constable Chris Brett, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: 'Tackling violence against women and girls is one of Kent Police's key priorities and part of that work is bringing offenders like Wrotchford to justice.
'His actions on the night of this offence were despicable and I am pleased he will now be in prison, and off the streets of Folkestone, for a considerable amount of time.
'I would like to pay tribute to the victim's courage throughout the investigation and court proceedings, and I hope the quick arrest of this offender and the sentence now imposed assist her as she rebuilds her life.'