Luke Clements

Luke Clements, a 52-year-old from Bude, Cornwall, was jailed for nine years at Truro Crown Court on 2 October 2025 following convictions for rape, sexual assault, and related intimidation offences. The primary sexual assault took place in March 2025 when the victim visited Clements' home in Upton, Bude, for a cup of coffee.

During the visit, the atmosphere shifted, and Clements touched the woman without consent. Despite her attempts to leave, he forced her upstairs and raped her. The victim promptly reported the incident to Devon and Cornwall Police, leading to Clements' arrest. He falsely claimed the encounter was consensual but was later proven to have lied.

Released on bail with conditions prohibiting contact with the victim, Clements retaliated the next day by slashing her car tyres. He subsequently broke into her home, assaulted her son, and threatened him with a Stanley knife while wearing a mask and hood. The son activated an alarm, detaining Clements until police arrived. Further investigation revealed evidence on his phone linking him to cocaine supply between 2022 and 2024, along with plans to sabotage the victim's door locks.

A jury convicted Clements of rape, sexual assault, sexual assault by penetration, witness intimidation, possession of a bladed article, and assault by beating, with prior guilty pleas to criminal damage and drug supply. Judge James Adkin imposed the nine-year sentence, a lifetime restraining order, and lifelong registration on the Sex Offenders’ Register. Detective Constable Tom Graham praised the victim's bravery, stating, 'This conviction sends a clear message that such horrific crimes will not go unpunished.'