A 47-year-old Folkestone Rapist, Peter Wrotchford, has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for raping and sexually assaulting a woman in his vehicle at 4 AM. A Detective from Kent Police has characterised the event as ‘despicable’ and stated that addressing violence against women and girls is a primary priority for the police.
Peter Wrotchford, previously residing on Ashley Avenue in Folkestone, assaulted the woman while she was walking in the Tram Road vicinity at approximately 4am on September 4, 2022.
Subsequent to the assault, Peter Wrotchford transported the victim to many sites in proximity to Folkestone, where he committed additional sexual offences, before delivering her to a friend’s residence. Upon arriving at her friend’s residence, the victim recounted the incident, which was subsequently reported to Kent Police.
An investigation connected Peter 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.
Peter 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 Peter Wrotchford to justice.
‘Peter Wrotchford’s 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.’
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