Rapist jailed for nine years.

RAPIST JAILED FOR NINE YEARS.

A man responsible for raping a vulnerable woman in Cambridge has received a nine-year prison sentence.

Jason Smith, aged 34, assaulted the woman at a residence in Kings Hedges while his partner and children were sleeping upstairs on 11 June 2023.

Despite the victim's repeated pleas for him to stop, Smith continued his assault.

He was detained on the same day and initially claimed during police interviews that no sexual activity had occurred.

DNA analysis was instrumental in establishing his guilt, and a jury found him unanimously guilty of three counts of rape after a trial in July.

Smith, residing on Main Street in Hardwick near Cambridge, was sentenced at Peterborough Crown Court on 29 September.

He was also ordered to register as a sex offender for life and to adhere to a ten-year restraining order.

Detective Sergeant Jodie Bolton, who led the investigation, praised the victim's bravery, saying, “Her courage to come forward and her resilience throughout the process played a crucial role in securing this outcome.

Without her support, this conviction might not have been possible.” She emphasized that consent is paramount, stating, “No always means no, and being intoxicated is not a legal excuse.

We are committed to ensuring offenders face justice.” Bolton also highlighted the efforts of the investigative team and partner agencies that provided support and conducted thorough investigations.