Bath man sentenced to six years in prison after raping woman in city house

A rapist was jailed in Bath after being convicted of two sex offences.

Paul Kibble raped and sexually assaulted a woman in a house in the city last year.

The 42-year-old has now been sentenced to six years in prison.

Anyone who reports a sexual offence is entitled to lifetime anonymity. The victim in this case made a statement to the court before sentencing, explaining the impact of what Kibble had subjected her to.

She said: “It has affected me in so many different ways; words can’t even describe how I feel every day.

“I can’t go into town to shop. I’m scared in my own home and haven’t been able to go to work since the attack.

“I feel like something has been taken from me, something I will never get back, but I hope this result encourages others to speak out.”

During the trial, it was proven that Kibble and the woman were in a house last October when he sexually abused and raped her.

He is said to have not accepted “no” for an answer and to have continued to engage in sexual activities for his own satisfaction without the woman’s consent.

On Friday 31 May, a jury at Bristol Crown Court returned a majority of guilty verdicts on rape and sexual assault by penetration.

Kibble, who lived in Bath, will also be placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely.

Detective Constable Alice Chandler of Operation Bluestone, Avon & Somerset Police’s specialist rape and serious sexual offences investigation team, said: “The courage and strength shown by the victim in this case is truly commendable.”

“She has shown tremendous courage from the day she reported to the verdict, demonstrating dignity and respect throughout the investigation and trial despite being the victim of such horrific crimes.

“We never underestimate the courage that victims of sexual crimes must muster to come forward to the police and give evidence in court.

“Kibble has consistently denied responsibility for his actions and it is thanks to the victim’s continued support and resilience that we have been able to ensure that a dangerous man is no longer on our streets.”

DC Chandler added: “Throughout the investigation we have worked with numerous agencies whose services have been invaluable and the positive outcome in this case clearly highlights the importance of effective multi-agency collaboration.

“Independent advisers were able to support them throughout the investigation, which is often a great help to victims going through this process.

“Hopefully cases like this will give every victim of a sexual crime the confidence to come forward. It doesn’t matter if you report something to us five minutes later or five years later. You will be believed and these crimes will be thoroughly investigated.”

Victims of rape or sexual assault, recent or past, can contact The Bridge, a 24 hour, 365 day a year sexual assault support centre. Visit www.thebridgecanhelp.org.uk or call 0117 3426999.

You can also find information about charities and organizations specializing in supporting victims at www.thisisnotanexcuse.org.