Sean Wilcox, 35, has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for raping a woman while she slept on a sofa during an attempted burglary. The attack occurred at a home in Dulwich Close, Newport Pagnell, at approximately 4:30 am on July 26 last year.
Aylesbury Crown Court heard that the 29-year-old victim was asleep when Wilcox entered through an unlocked door. He had previously attempted to break into other cars and homes in the area to steal items. After the assault, Wilcox fled the scene.
Arrest and Conviction
Thames Valley Police tracked Wilcox down and arrested him on August 1. He was charged the following day. Following a four-day trial, a unanimous jury found him guilty of rape on January 16 this year.
In addition to the rape conviction, Wilcox pleaded guilty to six counts of theft from a motor vehicle, three counts of fraud by false representation, three counts of vehicle interference, two counts of burglary with intent to steal, and one count each of theft from a person, possession of class A drugs (cocaine), and possession of class B drugs (cannabis).
Sentencing and Impact
Wilcox was sentenced to a total of 18 years' imprisonment for the offences committed in the Thames Valley and Bedfordshire areas. Detective Constable Jessica Cooper of Milton Keynes CID praised the victim's bravery, stating: "The bravery and courage shown by the victim throughout this investigation has been admirable. No sentence will ever change the impact that this man has had on her life. However, we hope that this sentence provides her with some measure of justice."
Cooper added: "This was a deeply traumatic offence committed against a woman who was asleep in a place where she had every right to feel safe. I would like to commend the victim for the strength she has shown in supporting this prosecution and helping to ensure that Wilcox was held accountable for his actions."
Thames Valley Police reaffirmed their commitment to investigating reports of rape and serious sexual offences, supporting victims, and bringing offenders before the courts.
