Kian Westcarr

A 21-year-old man from Gloucester has been sentenced to nine years in prison for raping a woman as she slept. Kian Westcarr, of Evenlode Road in Tuffley, committed the offence in 2022 and was unanimously found guilty by a jury following a trial at Gloucester Crown Court.

The incident occurred when the victim woke up to find Westcarr raping her. She immediately reported the assault to Gloucestershire Police, who arrested Westcarr on the same day. During his police interview, Westcarr claimed that the woman was awake and that they had engaged in consensual sex. However, following a thorough investigation by the Rape and Serious Sexual Offences team, the Crown Prosecution Service authorised a charge of rape against him.

The trial took place in August 2025, where the jury heard details of the assault and Westcarr's denial. Sentencing occurred on Friday, 24 October 2025, at Gloucester Crown Court before Mr Recorder Donald Tait. The judge remarked, "You took advantage of the victim. She thought she was safe [with you], she obviously was not." A victim impact statement was read to the court, in which the woman described the profound effects of the crime: "This crime has taken so much from me: my trust; my peace of mind; my sense of safety in the world. It has coloured every decision, every relationship, every plan for the future. It has affected my education, my friendships and my mental health." She also shared that she had attempted to end her life twice following the assault and expressed hope that the sentence would reflect the lifelong impact on her.

In mitigation, Westcarr's defence barrister described him as a polite and respectful young man with potential who had made a grave error he would regret. The judge acknowledged Westcarr's previous good character, lack of convictions, and employment but emphasised his public duty, stating, "You have no previous convictions, had a job and were well thought of. I agree that before you did this you were of positive good character, but I have a public duty to perform." The judge noted that Westcarr's decision to contest the case forced the victim to relive the trauma by giving evidence, denying him credit for any admissions. He concluded that only a significant custodial sentence was appropriate given the devastating effect on the victim.

Detective Constable Laura Davies, the investigating officer from Gloucestershire Police, praised the victim's courage: "The victim in this case has carried herself with incredible courage and dignity throughout the investigation and trial process, and I would like to thank her for her bravery in reporting what Westcarr did to her." She highlighted Westcarr's lack of remorse and the team's commitment to pursuing justice in such cases. The sentencing underscores the seriousness of sexual offences and the support available through police investigations.