Description
A homeless man from Maidstone has been jailed after he was convicted of raping a woman in a communal area next to a block of flats.
Thomas Underdown assaulted the victim after they had agreed to meet at an outbuilding that he slept in, close to St Peter’s Street.
The ordeal started at around 12.20am on 5 January 2024, when after they kissed the victim made it clear she did not consent to any further intimacy.
In response, Underdown repeatedly prevented the victim from getting up from a mattress he used and went on to abuse her.
The offences were reported to Kent Police on 9 January and Underdown was arrested on the following day.
Unanimous verdict
He was charged with rape and after pleading not guilty a trial was held at Southwark Crown Court, which led to him being convicted by unanimous verdict.
On 5 December 2025, Underdown, 33, was sentenced to nine years' imprisonment.
He will have to serve a minimum of two thirds of the sentence before he can apply for parole and was also made the subject of an indefinite restraining order.
Detective Constable Stuart Cook said:
‘This was a deeply traumatic ordeal for the victim, who showed immense courage in coming forward and supporting our investigation. She made it clear to Underdown that she did not consent, and her wishes were ignored in the most appalling way. Consent is never negotiable — no means no.
‘I hope this conviction brings the victim some sense of justice and reassurance that her voice has been heard. We have dedicated teams committed to supporting victims and ensuring those who do commit such appalling offences are held fully accountable.’