BUDE RAPIST WHO SLASHED BRAVE VICTIM'S TYRES IS JAILED FOR NINE YEARS
A man who raped a woman then returned to her house to slash her tyres later broke into her home and threatened her son with a Stanley knife.It was seemingly part of a plan to intimidate her into dropping her allegation against him.
Luke Clements' plan failed and he has been jailed for nine years.
The 52-year-old sex criminal, formerly of Upton, Bude, raped a woman who visited his home for a cup of coffee in March 2025.
Truro Crown Court heard how the victim felt the atmosphere change and Clements touched her without her consent.
The victim said she tried to leave the property but Clements forced her upstairs and raped her.
She immediately left the address and contacted the police.
Devon and Cornwall Police officers went to Clements' address and arrested him.
Clements claimed the sexual contact was consensual but he lied.
He was released the following after with bail conditions not to contact the victim directly or indirectly.
The following day, the victim found her car tyres had been slashed with a knife, despite having no previous issues with neighbours.
An emergency alarm was fitted at her address.
Soon afterwards, the victim's son noticed the dogs barking.
When he went downstairs, he found Clements had broken into the house.
A litany of crimes The son pressed the new alarm, which sent officers to the address.
Clements, wearing a black mask and hood, assaulted the victim's son as he tried to flee.
He also produced a Stanley knife from his pocket.
The son detained Clements until officers arrived.
Clements was then taken into custody, charged and remanded.
Following a download of Clements’ phone, evidence was then found linking him to the supply of cocaine between 2022 and 2024.
The defendant also made comments about filling the victim's door locks with adhesive.
He was found with a silicone gun when he was arrested.
A jury found him guilty of rape, sexual assault, sexual assault by penetration, witness intimidation, possession of a bladed article and assault by beating.
He had previously pleaded guilty to criminal damage and being concerned in the supply of cocaine.
He was sentenced to nine years in prison at Truro Crown Court on Thursday, October 2.
On the Sex Offenders' Register for life He was also given a life-term restraining order to protect the victim and her family.
Clements was placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.
Detective Constable Tom Graham, officer in the case, said: “This conviction sends a clear message that such horrific crimes will not go unpunished.
“I want to pay tribute to the incredible bravery of the victim in coming forward and supporting this investigation.
It takes immense courage to speak out and her strength was vital in securing today’s outcome.
“We know how difficult it can be for survivors of sexual offences to report what has happened to them.
I want to reassure anyone who has experienced anything similar that we will listen, we will believe you and we will do everything in our power to seek justice.
“Our priority is always the safety, dignity and wellbeing of the victims and we remain committed to working tirelessly to bring perpetrators of such horrific crimes like Clements before the courts.”
