Dangerous rapist who scared woman to stay in her own home jailed

A ‘dangerous’ rapist has been jailed for sexually assaulting and raping a woman in Bath. Paul Kibble, 42, was convicted of two sex offences by a jury at Bristol Crown Court on May 31 after causing his victim sustained fear following the incident.

During the trial, the court heard that Kibble and the woman, who is legally entitled to lifetime anonymity, were at an address in Bath when he sexually assaulted and raped her and refused to take no for an answer. He is said to have continued to engage in sexual activity for his own gratification, without the woman’s consent.

The jury found Kibble, who lived in Bath, guilty of rape and sexual assault by penetration. He was sentenced to six years in prison and will be placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely.

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The victim in the case gave a statement before Kibble’s sentencing describing the lasting impact of what he did to her. 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.”

Detective Constable Alice Chandler of Operation Bluestone, Avon and Somerset Police’s dedicated investigation team for rape and serious sexual offences, said her courage and strength throughout the case was “truly commendable”.

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

“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 steadfastness that we have been able to ensure a dangerous man no longer walks our streets.” DC Chandler added that the work of charities had been invaluable and hopes that this verdict and sentence will give all victims of sexual offences the confidence to report crimes to us.

She said: “Throughout the investigation we have worked with numerous agencies whose services have been invaluable and the positive outcome in this case clearly underlines the importance of effective multi-agency cooperation.”

“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.”