Kieran Champion

In 2018, Kieran Champion, a 28-year-old man from Canterbury, targeted a vulnerable woman who was searching for a safe place to stay the night. The incident began when Champion met the victim at a nightclub in Margate. He deceived her by pretending to offer kindness, luring her from the venue to a property in Canterbury, where she became isolated and disoriented.

Once alone, the woman rejected Champion's advances. Undeterred, he plied her with whisky and coke, exploiting her intoxication. Champion then subjected her to repeated sexual assaults and rape, ignoring her desperate pleas to stop. During the attack, he made lurid and derisory remarks, heightening her terror. The assault occurred in a sustained manner, leaving the victim trapped with little avenue of escape, as she was unfamiliar with the area and address.

The victim managed to escape when a police officer fortuitously appeared outside the property. Champion was arrested on the same day but provided a 'no comment' interview to investigators. Forensic evidence later contradicted his claims of innocence, leading to charges of rape and sexual assault. The case proceeded to trial at Canterbury Crown Court, where a jury unanimously convicted him last month, as reported by KentOnline on 8 October 2021.

During the sentencing hearing on 8 October 2021, Champion, supported by his mother and friends in the public gallery, slumped and wept upon hearing the verdict. Prosecutor Dominic Connolly detailed how Champion had preyed on the woman's vulnerability. Recorder Stuart Trimmer QC addressed Champion directly, stating: "Custody must be the result." The judge highlighted the victim's search for safety and her limited options for escape.

Defending barrister Sharmila Salvi mitigated by noting Champion's history of employment, his support for his unwell mother, and plans to study business. She also mentioned his anxiety and depression at the time of arrest, which had kept him off work and led to intended therapy sessions. Despite this, Champion was sentenced to six years in prison, placed on lifetime notification requirements as a sex offender, and issued a 10-year restraining order. The case was handled by Kent Police, underscoring the devious nature of Champion's actions in isolating and assaulting his victim.