MICHAL REEVE FROM AYLSHAM SENTENCED FOR RAPE IN MILITARY COURT NEAR CATERICK
| Red Rose Database
Aylsham Rapist
A senior officer in the Royal Air Force, Michael Reeve, aged 32 and hailing from the town of Aylsham, has been convicted of serious sexual offenses and subsequently sentenced to a substantial prison term. The military court delivered a sentence of five years and six months behind bars after Reeve was found guilty of raping a young woman during a social event linked to the armed forces.
The incident took place on January 12 of the previous year during an event designed to promote and showcase the armed forces' activities. This gathering was intended to foster recruitment and public interest, but it was marred by the criminal actions of Reeve. Known publicly for his participation in Royal Norfolk Show parachute displays, Reeve extended an invitation to a woman he had shown interest in, suggesting a private meeting in his room. The woman, who was also considering a career in the Royal Air Force, accepted the invitation, and it was there that Reeve committed the assault.
Following the assault, the victim confided in a close friend about what had transpired. Her disclosure prompted authorities to arrest Reeve, leading to his trial. During proceedings, it was revealed that the woman and Reeve knew each other prior to the incident, as she had previously worked at the same posting as him. The court heard that Reeve made a controversial remark during the trial, implying that in the military, women who engage in sexual activity are judged harshly, whereas men are often rewarded or given 'points' for such behavior.
The impact statement from the victim was read aloud in court, highlighting the profound and lasting effects the assault has had on her life. She described suffering from psychological trauma, a significant loss of confidence, and a temporary abandonment of her aspirations to join the Royal Air Force. Her ability to trust others, especially those within the military community, has been severely affected. Despite these hardships, she expressed hope that, over time, her mental health and outlook on life would improve.
Reeve was found guilty of two counts—rape and assault by penetration—and was sentenced at the Military Court Centre in Catterick on March 28. As part of his sentence, he has been placed on the sex offenders register for life. When asked if he understood the sentence handed down, Reeve responded with a simple, “Yes, your Honour.”
The incident took place on January 12 of the previous year during an event designed to promote and showcase the armed forces' activities. This gathering was intended to foster recruitment and public interest, but it was marred by the criminal actions of Reeve. Known publicly for his participation in Royal Norfolk Show parachute displays, Reeve extended an invitation to a woman he had shown interest in, suggesting a private meeting in his room. The woman, who was also considering a career in the Royal Air Force, accepted the invitation, and it was there that Reeve committed the assault.
Following the assault, the victim confided in a close friend about what had transpired. Her disclosure prompted authorities to arrest Reeve, leading to his trial. During proceedings, it was revealed that the woman and Reeve knew each other prior to the incident, as she had previously worked at the same posting as him. The court heard that Reeve made a controversial remark during the trial, implying that in the military, women who engage in sexual activity are judged harshly, whereas men are often rewarded or given 'points' for such behavior.
The impact statement from the victim was read aloud in court, highlighting the profound and lasting effects the assault has had on her life. She described suffering from psychological trauma, a significant loss of confidence, and a temporary abandonment of her aspirations to join the Royal Air Force. Her ability to trust others, especially those within the military community, has been severely affected. Despite these hardships, she expressed hope that, over time, her mental health and outlook on life would improve.
Reeve was found guilty of two counts—rape and assault by penetration—and was sentenced at the Military Court Centre in Catterick on March 28. As part of his sentence, he has been placed on the sex offenders register for life. When asked if he understood the sentence handed down, Reeve responded with a simple, “Yes, your Honour.”