Rapist jailed for attacking woman in her own home
A rapist has been jailed for eight years after attacking a woman he met online in her own home.
Carl Thomson, 55, now of Portishead, appeared at Exeter Crown Court for sentence on Friday 2 October after being found guilty of rape, sexual assault by penetration and sexual assault.
Thomson must sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.
During the trial, the jury heard how Thomson – then living in Paignton - met the victim online in March 2023.
In early April of that year Thomson and the victim went for a walk and then for dinner so she could show him the local area.
Messages from Thomson to the victim became sexualised and on 13 April 2023, Thomson raped and sexually assaulted her at her home.
The victim reported the offences to police on 18 April 2023, and Thomson was arrested at Bristol Airport.
She went on to tell police that she was forced to comply with Thomson’s advances as she feared for her own safety.
In interview Thomson stated the sexual contact was consensual.
During sentencing, HHJ Patrick told Thomson that the victim showed his kindness, but he took that as sexual and forced himself on her.
He added that the offences have caused her significant psychological harm.
Officer in the case Detective Constable Tia Smallridge, said: “I welcome the sentence given to Carl Thomson at Exeter Crown Court.
“Thomson is a sexual predator who gained the trust of his victim before betraying it in the most horrific way.
“He abused the victim’s kindness and subjected her to a prolonged and sustained attack in a place where she should have safe from harm.
“He continued to deny his offending meaning the victim had to give evidence at court.
“I would like to thank the victim for reporting what happened to us, and then remaining engaged throughout the legal process.
“We hope she is now able to feel some form of closure and begin to move on with her life.
“Anybody who has been the victim of sexual offending is asked to report it to us via 101 or our website, or by 999 if in immediate danger.
“Our officers will investigate every report regardless of when the offence took place.”
Support available
If you have been affected by this article there is support available.
You can visit victimcare-dc.org to access support services and information on your rights and how to navigate the criminal justice system.
You can also call Victim Support on 0808 1689 111 or Devon and Cornwall Police’s Victim Care Unit on 01392 475900.
Advice and support can also be found at:
National Rape Crisis Helpline 0808 802 9999
Devon and Cornwall Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC) 0300 3034626
For more information please visit: www.dc.police.uk/Rape-SexualAssault
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