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Rapist Kieran Champion, of Canterbury, jailed for attacking woman after night out in Margate

This story was edited on November 17 to clarify a previous reference made to DNA evidence.

A rapist who repeatedly attacked a victim he met at a nightclub then plied with drink has been jailed.

Kieran Champion, 28, of Canterbury, was found guilty of rape and sexual assault following a trial at Canterbury Crown Court last month.

Kieran Champion has been jailed for rape
Kieran Champion has been jailed for rape

The predator has now been jailed for six years at the same court today for the sustained terror he subjected her to.

Devious Champion lured the woman from a Margate venue to a property in Canterbury, leaving her isolated and lost.

After plying her with whisky and coke, he raped and sexually assaulted his terrified victim.

When she desperately cried out for him to stop, Champion made lurid and derisory remarks.

She was able to escape when a police officer appeared outside the crime scene by chance, jurors heard.

Champion was arrested the same day and gave a no comment police interview.

Forensic evidence undermined Champion's claims he had not raped the woman and he was charged with rape and a sexual assault.

Later, a jury saw through his lies and convicted him unanimously.

The rapist, supported by his mother and friends in the public gallery, slumped and wept in the dock after the verdict was delivered.

Sharmila Salvi, defending, told the court Champion suffered anxiety and depression at the time of his arrest.

“He is off work with severe anxiety and depression,” she said at an earlier hearing.

Canterbury Crown Court
Canterbury Crown Court

“He reported having anxiety and depression and the time of arrest.

“He was meant to start therapy before he was convicted and he had been off sick,” she added today.

Champion preyed on the girl in 2018 as she searched for a safe place to stay, tricking her into thinking he was being kind.

When they were alone she rejected Champion’s advances, he then sexually assaulted, raped and goaded her, prosecutor Dominic Connolly told jurors.

The Judge, Recorder Stuart Trimmer QC, told Champion: “Custody must be the result - custody must be the result.

“She was looking for a safe place to spend the night, she didn’t know your address or the area, she was drinking and had little avenue of escape.”

Now, Champion of Merchants Way will face six years in prison, a life-time of notification requirements and 10-year restraining order.

Mitigating, Ms Salvi said Champion had "worked all his life", supported his unwell mother and planned starting a business studies course.

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