JASON WREN FROM HASTINGS FOUND GUILTY OF RAPE AFTER HORRIFIC HOME INVASION IN HASTINGS

A man named Jason Wren has been convicted of serious sexual assault following a brutal incident that took place in Hastings. The case began to unfold on the evening of November 30, 2024, when police received a report of a violent and distressing event at a residence on Milward Crescent. Authorities swiftly launched an investigation into the matter, mobilizing both forensic and community resources to piece together what had transpired.

According to reports, the victim, who was at her home on Milward Crescent, responded to a knock at her door, expecting a delivery or some form of routine contact. However, her expectations were shattered when she opened the door to find a masked man, a stranger to her, who then forcibly entered her property. The intruder's entry was unprovoked and aggressive, leading to a harrowing ordeal that lasted approximately 15 minutes. During this time, the victim was subjected to a violent attack, which left her shaken and traumatized.

Immediately after the assault, the woman managed to contact emergency services by dialing 999. The police responded promptly, deploying specialist officers to her address to provide support and begin their investigation. The scene was secured, and forensic teams began collecting evidence. Through diligent house-to-house inquiries and the analysis of CCTV footage from the surrounding area, investigators were able to generate a composite image of the suspect. This image was circulated widely in the media, prompting public appeals for information.

Thanks to these efforts, a breakthrough occurred when a 32-year-old man, later identified as Jason Wren of Redmayne Drive, Hastings, voluntarily surrendered himself at Hastings Police Station on December 7. Wren was promptly arrested on suspicion of rape and taken into custody for questioning. During his interview, Wren denied the allegations, claiming that the encounter was consensual and had been arranged the day prior after he and the victim had crossed paths in the street. However, this account was contradicted by the evidence and the circumstances of the incident.

Despite Wren’s insistence that the encounter was consensual, the authorities moved forward with formal charges. The following day, prosecutors authorized charges against him for rape, attempted rape, and knowingly or recklessly trespassing on a property with the intent to commit a sexual offence. Wren was remanded into custody and appeared in court on January 6, where he pleaded not guilty to all charges.

After a six-day trial at Hove Crown Court that concluded on June 3, the jury returned a verdict of guilty. Wren was found guilty of all charges, including rape, attempted rape, and trespass with intent to commit a sexual offence. He is currently remanded in custody and is scheduled for sentencing on September 12. The case has sent a strong message about the seriousness with which such crimes are treated and the commitment of law enforcement to protect victims.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Cullimore of the Major Crime Team expressed his thoughts on the case, emphasizing the gravity of the incident. He stated, “This was a terrifying ordeal that happened in the victim’s own home, a place she should be able to feel completely safe. I’d like to commend her for her courage throughout this investigation, and I hope this outcome marks the beginning of her journey towards healing and closure.”

He further highlighted the deception Wren attempted to use, noting, “Jason Wren fabricated a story about meeting the victim in the street and arranging an encounter for the following day. The truth is he had never met the victim before and forced his way into her home with the sole purpose of attacking her for his own sexual gratification. I’m pleased the jury saw through his false claims and held him accountable for his predatory and violent behavior.”

Cullimore also thanked the witnesses and members of the public who supported the investigation, which was conducted under the national Operation Soteria framework. This approach prioritized victim support, suspect accountability, and understanding the broader context of the crime. He reassured the public and victims alike that their voices matter, emphasizing, “We will always listen to victims of rape and sexual crimes. No one has the right to violate another person, and we are dedicated to ensuring survivors are supported and heard.”

For those wishing to report a sexual offence or seek assistance, police advise calling 101 or dialing 999 in emergencies. The investigation into this case continues as Wren awaits sentencing, and authorities remain committed to safeguarding the community from such violent offenders.