Description
Kristian John Franks, a man with a extensive criminal record dating back to his early teens, was convicted of rape on September 18, 2025, following a trial at York Crown Court.
The conviction stems from an incident in which he allegedly raped a woman within hours of meeting her for the first time. Below is an overview of his criminal background, leading up to the recent trial and its outcome.
Early Criminal History
Franks first came to police attention as a juvenile. At age 13, he was convicted of assaulting a police officer in the course of duty. During his teenage years, he committed multiple vehicle-related offenses, including dangerous driving and taking cars without the owner's consent.
By age 19, Franks had begun using drugs and committed his first burglary. Two years later, at 21, he was convicted of burgling a house.
Escalating Offenses in Adulthood
In 2016, Franks harassed a former partner, resulting in a restraining order designed to protect her. He subsequently breached this order.
In 2019, he was involved in a road rage incident where he tailgated another vehicle and, when confronted, claimed, "I can drive however I want, I don’t have insurance." He attempted to deceive authorities about the event, leading to an eight-month prison sentence for perverting the course of justice.
Even after serving this sentence, Franks continued offending, with convictions for drug driving, going equipped for theft, and failing to appear on bail.
Prior Sexual Risk Concerns
In December 2023, after being acquitted of raping Leah Bedford, Franks was subjected to a sexual risk order by York Magistrates' Court. This civil order aimed to restrict activities of individuals posing a sexual risk to the public.
By January 2025, police issued a public appeal for help locating him, suspecting he had breached the order's conditions.
The 2025 Rape Charge and Trial
In April 2025, Franks was charged with raping a woman shortly after their first meeting. He was sent on bail to York Crown Court.
Complications arose in May 2025 when Franks was arrested at Fulford Road Police Station but escaped custody. He was later apprehended and charged with escape from lawful custody. After failing to attend a subsequent court hearing, he was arrested on a warrant and remanded in custody.
On July 18, 2025, Franks admitted the escape charge.
The rape trial commenced on September 9, 2025, at York Crown Court. After deliberations, the jury found him guilty of rape on September 18, 2025.
Franks is scheduled to be sentenced for both the rape conviction and the escape from lawful custody on October 30, 2025.