A Harlow rapist, Dean Tombs, has received a nine-year prison sentence for sexually assaulting a lady in Harlow. Dean Tombs, 45, of Lower Meadow in Harlow, was sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court on Monday, October 7, for raping the victim in January 2024.
On the evening of 13 January, she explicitly and again informed Dean Tombs of her disinterest in engaging in sexual activity, which he disregarded before assaulting her, resulting in several injuries to her face and hands.
The victim contacted us following Dean Tombs’ departure, promptly delivering a statement and proof to the officers.
Dean Tombs was swiftly apprehended at his residence on charges of rape, infliction of serious bodily injury, and non-fatal strangling.
He was charged on 14 January 2024 with rape, sexual assault by penetration, causing actual bodily harm and intentional strangulation, pleaded not guilty to all charges.
After a four-day trial, a jury found Dean Tombs guilty of rape, sexual assault by penetration and ABH. He was found not guilty of intentional strangulation.
Dean Tombs was sentenced to nine years in prison for rape, two years for sexual assault by penetration, and nine months for ABH, all to run concurrently. He is also subject to an indefinite restraining order.
‘A dangerous and controlling individual’
In her victim personal statement, the woman in this case said:
“On the night of the incident I was terrified he was going to kill me. Before this trial I dreaded the thought of him being bailed or released.
“Since this has happened I go days on end without leaving the house and I don’t feel comfortable around men anymore.
“Day-to-day life is just not the same anymore – I feel like I am constantly in a state of alert that is exhausting.”
Speaking after Dean Tombs was sentenced, Detective Jake Bond said:
“The victim in this case did something incredibly brave in the wake of Dean Tombs’ crimes.
“Her evidence and testimony was crucial to this case, along with a huge amount of work from the Harlow Local Policing Team and the Adult Sexual Abuse Investigation Team.
“Dean Tombs was a dangerous and controlling individual whose actions may have a life-long effect on his victim – this sentence has now had a very real impact on the next nine years of his life and well beyond.
“Violence against women and girls in Essex won’t be tolerated and I hope this case shows other victims if they speak to our officers, they will be listened to and they will be supported.”
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.