NORFOLK MAN SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS FOR HOME INVASION RAPE
Dave Wilby, 35, from Swaffham, Norfolk, was convicted of a serious sexual assault.He had met his victim through the dating website Plenty of Fish and initially suggested they meet for a drink, which she refused.
Despite this, Wilby persisted with messaging her.
During Christmas last year, he arrived unannounced at her house, saying, "It's me from Plenty of Fish," and forced his way into her residence.
He then attacked her while her children were sleeping upstairs, eventually raping her in the lounge.
The victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, described Wilby as a "nice, honest decent guy" before the incident.
After the attack, she confided in her family, who advised her to contact police.
She was taken to the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) for support.
Wilby was arrested the day after the assault and denied rape, but was found guilty by a jury on July 1 following a five-day trial at Norwich Crown Court.
He was sentenced to 12 years in prison by Judge Maureen Bacon QC, with an extended five-year license.
Wilby was also placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.
Detective Constable Amy Beck of Norfolk Constabulary’s Rape Investigation Unit commented, "This was a horrendous attack on a woman who was in the safety of her own home." She emphasized that the offence was committed with her children upstairs and praised the victim's bravery.
The case was noted as unusual for Norfolk, and police expressed hope that the sentence would help the victim move forward.
Further information can be found at [Daily Star article](http://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/latest-news/554047/Sicko-finds-woman-from-dating-site-rapes-in-own-home-Norwich).
