“Dangerous” rapist refused to take no for an answer during Bath attack

A “dangerous” rapist from Bath who “wouldn’t take no for an answer” has been jailed.

Paul Kibble raped and sexually assaulted a woman at a residential address in the city last year.

The 42-year-old was sentenced to six years in prison at Bristol Crown Court last week.

In a statement made to the court, the victim said: “It has affected me in so many different ways, words cannot 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 in October when he sexually assaulted and raped her. He allegedly did not take no for an answer and continued to perform sexual acts without the woman’s consent for his own gratification.

On Friday 31 May, a jury at Bristol Crown Court returned guilty verdicts by a majority of the defendants on charges of 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 and 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 needed for victims of sexual crimes 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 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.”