The Kelsale Rapist, James MacKenzie, 32, has been incarcerated following his conviction for raping a lady and photographing her nude after a night out in Ipswich.
His rape victim has received commendation from law enforcement for her “strength and courage” following the sentencing of her assailant to nine years in prison.
James MacKenzie, from Kelsale, was convicted of rape in the early hours of December 2, 2018, as reported by Ipswich Crown Court.
The court was also told there was argument during which James MacKenzie verbally abused the victim and struck her.
Suffolk police has now praised the victim, who cannot be named, for speaking out and helping put James MacKenzie behind bars.
Investigating officer DC Kerry Bradley, of Suffolk police, said: “I’d like to pay tribute to the complainant’s strength and courage over a four-year period – she remained engaged during the whole investigative and judicial process.
“Whilst this was not easy, her evidence undoubtedly helped secure this conviction.”
“It is important to point out that the victim was supported the whole time by an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) to ensure justice was done despite the passage of time.”
Sentencing James MacKenzie, Judge Emma Peters said that in addition to raping the victim he had punched her, thrown her off the bed and threatened to kill her.
Giving evidence, James MacKenzie claimed the woman had touched him sexually and denied that she had said “no” and “stop it” when he had oral sex with her.
He accepted taking naked pictures of her but denied that she’d been trying to go to sleep at the time.
James MacKenzie had denied orally raping the woman but was found guilty by a jury by a 10-2 majority verdict after a trial at Ipswich Crown Court last month.
As well as being jailed, James MacKenzie was banned from contacting the victim indefinitely and ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for life.
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