A man has been sentenced to seven years in prison after a woman awoke to find him raping her following a night out in Banbury. Sam Augustus Layne, 41, of Gleneagle Road, Lambeth, south London, was sentenced at Oxford Crown Court on June 10 after being convicted of raping the woman in February 2023.
The court heard that the victim, who was in her 20s at the time, had been socialising with Layne after a night out in the Oxfordshire town on February 14, 2023. After the pair returned to Layne's home to continue socialising, the woman fell asleep fully clothed. While she was asleep and unable to consent, Layne raped her.
The attack came to light when a friend of the victim reported the incident to police on February 17, 2023. Layne was arrested the following day and was later charged in April 2024. He was found guilty by a majority jury verdict on April 30 following a four-day trial.
Sentence and Orders
As well as the prison sentence, Layne was made subject to an indefinite restraining order preventing contact with the victim and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order lasting 15 years. Court records show he also pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis at Oxford Crown Court in July 2025.
Police Tribute to Victim
Following the sentencing, investigating officer Detective Constable Sarah Osborne, of Thames Valley Police's North Oxfordshire CID, paid tribute to the victim's courage in reporting the offence. She said: 'The victim fell asleep fully clothed in the presence of a man she trusted to keep her safe. Sam Layne chose to exploit that trust, raping her while she was asleep, vulnerable, and unable to give consent.'
Det Con Osborne added: 'This was a serious and profound violation of her trust, her dignity, and her sense of safety. I am pleased that Sam Layne has now been held accountable for his actions.' She continued: 'I hope this outcome sends a clear message that offences of this nature will be thoroughly investigated and pursued. Thames Valley Police remains committed to supporting victims and tackling violence against women and girls.'
Layne, who previously lived in Banbury before moving to Lambeth, was remanded in custody following his conviction.
