James Patey, 20, from Honor Road, Prestwood, was sentenced to five-and-a-half years in prison at Amersham Crown Court on 10 March. He has also been placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.
The conviction followed a tense four-day trial at Amersham Crown Court, where a majority jury found Patey guilty of one count of rape. The attack occurred in South Buckinghamshire in 2020.
Detective Constable Suzie Price praised the victim for her bravery and resilience throughout the three-year ordeal. She said, “I want to thank the victim for her incredible courage, resilience, patience and integrity over the past three years. Even with court delays caused by coronavirus, she continued to support Thames Valley Police and trusted that she would be heard.”
Detective Price also highlighted the victim’s determination to see justice served and to empower other women to come forward. She added, “She made it clear she wanted to continue with the investigation and prosecution to ensure other women feel empowered to report incidents like this.”
DC Price delivered a strong message to victims of sexual assault and rape: “We will listen to you. We will investigate fully. We will work tirelessly to bring perpetrators of such heinous crimes to justice.”
Originally published by UKNIP.
