Chigwell rapist sentenced to eight years in prison after attack on woman

Colin Richard Higgins, 54, of Copperfield, Chigwell, appeared before Chelmsford Crown Court on Friday May 31 where he was sentenced.

On June 17, 2020, Essex Police received a report that a woman had been seriously sexually assaulted the previous day.

After attacking her, Higgins said, “You’re not going to call the police, are you?” before leaving.

Higgins was arrested the day the complaint was made and later charged with rape of a female over 16 years of age and two counts of violating a restraining order.

After a four-day trial at Chelmsford Crown Court which began on 13 May, the jury found him guilty of rape and one count of breaching a restraining order.

The jury found him not guilty on one count of violating a restraining order.

The judge ordered him to serve at least two-thirds of his sentence and issued him with a restraining order.

After the verdict was announced, the victim said: “I am pleased that the jury gave me some measure of justice and recognition.”

“I hope that this small victory can make other victims aware that there is hope for a conviction in sexual crimes, as I know that the conviction rate for them is low.

“I am grateful to everyone: friends, family, the police and all the professionals who stood by me during this experience and helped me in every way.”

Detective Constable Lauren Whitewell, the officer investigating the case, said: “Higgins subjected the victim to an appalling ordeal by refusing to admit his crime and forcing her to go through a lengthy process to seek justice.

“Her patience and strength have been the driving force behind this investigation and I hope she is able to move on with her life.

“Our officers acted quickly and arrested Higgins within six hours of the initial report.

“We do not underestimate the strength it takes for victims of sexual abuse to report it, but I can assure you that we take all reports seriously and we encourage anyone who has been sexually abused to contact us.”