Man jailed for 12 years over country lane rape

A man who raped a woman and threatened to kill her in broad daylight has been jailed for 12 years.

Kenneth Watson was walking with his victim in Smee Lane in Great Plumstead, near Norwich, when he raped her, holding her neck so she could not breathe.

The victim managed to alert two passing dog walkers and police arrested Watson nearby a short while later.

The 53-year-old from Lowestoft, Suffolk, was sentenced at Norwich Crown Court on Tuesday following a trial earlier this year, where he was found guilty of rape, intentional strangulation and threats to kill.

In an impact statement, his victim said: "This incident has completely broken me.

"I’ve had to reach out and accept support from many services, which I find hard to do.

"But all I can do is put my head down and carry on until hopefully one day, it will somehow feel better."

Watson was also sentenced to three additional years on extended licence and placed on the sex offenders register for life.

The offence happened on 7 June 2023.

Det Con Helen Walters, said: "Watson is a dangerous individual who took advantage of someone who should have been able to trust him.

"I commend the victim, who has shown incredible strength and courage throughout the trial.

"No sentence will take away the harm Watson has caused her, but I truly hope the verdict on this case is the start of the healing process for her."

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