Leon Thomas

Leon Thomas, a 52-year-old man from Ipswich, was convicted of rape following an incident that occurred in 2019. The case was heard at Ipswich Crown Court, where a jury found him guilty in September, with sentencing taking place on 27 November.

During the trial, the court heard detailed evidence from the prosecution led by Emma Nash. On the day of the offence, Thomas visited the woman at her home. While conversing, she confided that she was still in love with her ex-boyfriend. Thomas attempted to kiss her, but she firmly rejected any sexual advances, stating, “It’s not going to happen.” Despite this, Thomas became agitated and later appeared naked in her bedroom, demanding, “Come here,” before pushing her onto the bed and raping her against her will.

The victim captured video footage on her phone during the assault, which was played to the jury. In the recording, she can be clearly heard protesting, “Take it out. I don’t want it. Seriously, I genuinely I don’t want it.” Police officers who attended the scene described the woman as highly intoxicated. Following the incident, she researched compensation claims for rape victims online, a step she took after being informed of the option by police.

Upon his arrest, Thomas initially claimed the encounter was consensual and even denied being the man in the video footage. However, he later admitted it was him. The jury rejected his defence and convicted him of rape. Sources from the trial, including statements from the prosecution and police evidence, underscored the non-consensual nature of the act and the victim's clear resistance.

In sentencing, Judge [name not specified] imposed a five-year custodial sentence on Thomas. He was also ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register indefinitely, reflecting the severity of the sexual offence committed.