Trans woman sentenced to six years for rape

A trans woman has been jailed for six and a half years after being found guilty of rape following a night out.

Lexi Secker raped a woman in Blunsdon, Wiltshire, on 23 April 2023. The attack took place before Secker began identifying as a woman.

The attack took place in secluded woods after the pair took a walk "under the pretence of sobering up".

Secker, 35, of Lowbourne, near Melksham, has been ordered to carry out her sentence in a male prison and will remain on the sex offenders register indefinitely.

Throughout the sentencing hearing, barristers and the judge referred to the defendant as "Ms Secker" and "she".

However, in a victim personal statement, the woman raped by Secker used the name "Alex" to describe her attacker.

She said: "He took away my trust in people and myself. The assault consumed me with shame and fear."

The woman, who attended court in person to see Secker sentenced, added she had experienced "unbearable anxiety, shame and fear" since the attack.

Sentencing Secker, Judge Jason Taylor KC described how the victim had been on a night out with the defendant, and was "significantly affected by alcohol".

"I am sure you hatched a plan to be alone with her," he said.

"You suggested you take her for a walk under the pretence of sobering up. You took her to a secluded spot in the woods.

"You were able to exercise judgment, make rational choices and understood the nature and consequences of your actions."

During the trial, Secker claimed the incident was "consensual intercourse" initiated by the victim.

But Judge Taylor described the defendant as being "focused on your own sexual gratification" when the attack took place.

The court heard how Secker has depression and gender dysphoria and requires psychological and medical treatment.

Secker has also been subjected to numerous assaults while being held at a male prison, it was alleged.

As the defendant is biologically male, they will serve their sentence in a male prison.

The judge told Secker: "At the time of this offence, you were a man.

"You identified as a man and you were, on the evidence, clearly attracted to women.

"You were not disinhibited at the time by your conditions.

"There is no evidence they were as present and compelling as they are now."

Wiltshire Police previously said Secker was living as a man when the attack took place, on April 23 2023, but was tried as a woman at Swindon Crown Court.

The force confirmed that the rape was recorded as being committed by a man.

The sex of a defendant recorded by police at the time of their arrest will mirror what is on court records and other criminal justice system data.

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