Man jailed for raping woman
A 38-year-old man has been jailed for more than four years after he was convicted of raping a woman.
Leon Walker, of Yeovil, denied the offence, which took place in 2023, but was found guilty by a jury in July.
He was sentenced at Taunton Crown Court on Friday 11 September to four years and three months in prison.
Walker met the victim through a dating app in 2023 and arranged to meet her at her home where he raped her following earlier consensual sex.
The victim reported what had happened to police and, following an investigation by our rape and serious sexual offences team Operation Bluestone, Walker was charged.
He pleaded not guilty to three counts of rape, claiming it had been consensual.
However, a jury found him guilty of one count of rape. He was acquitted of the two other counts.
In her victim personal statement, read out at the sentencing hearing, the victim said: “Before this happened I was an open and trusting person, however this incident also left me not being able to trust people as I used to.
“I had to rebuild my confidence in meeting new people and became far more sceptical and wary of people than I previously had been,
“For a while after I avoided dating and meeting new people altogether. When I was eventually able to meet new people, I found myself to be on higher alert and more cautious than I previously needed to be.”
PC Jake Whatley, the investigating officer, said: “This conviction reflects the courage and determination shown by the victim in reporting the offence and supporting the investigation throughout.
“It also serves as an important reminder that consent can be withdrawn at any time.
“Being in a consensual relationship, or consenting to one sexual act, does not mean a person has consented to every other sexual act.
“Everyone has the right to say no, and that decision must be respected.”
Support for victims of rape and sexual assault
- If you are a victim of rape or sexual assault, there is help and support available to you whether you choose to report it to the police or not.
- These organisations will not make you report the assault to the police if you do not want to.
Support organisations
- You can still report to police and they can still investigate, if you have already had counselling.
- If you need support, these local organisations provide free and confidential services for those affected by rape and sexual assault, at any time in their life.
- The Bridge – also provide sexual healthcare
- Somerset and Avon Rape and Sexual Abuse Support (SARSAS)
- You can find a rape and sexual assault referral centre on the NHS website where you can self-refer, get support, guidance and book appointments with your nearest centre.
Report a sexual assault