Maldon District: Rapist jailed for 14 years following multiple sexual offences against a child

By Ben Shahrabi 14th Jun 2023

Local News by Ben Shahrabi 14th Jun 2023

A Heybridge man has been jailed for 14 years after being found guilty of multiple sexual offences against a child.

Thomas Thorpe-Keen, 23, appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court on June 9 via video link.

Thorpe-Keen of Creasen Butt Close, Heybridge, came to the attention of Essex Police's Child Abuse Investigation Team in 2020, following concerns around his relationships with underage girls.

He was issued with a Sexual Risk Order and Criminal Behaviour Order. These held a number of conditions, including banning him from being in the unsupervised company of anyone under the age of 18, which he breached continuously.

In 2019, Thorpe-Keen targeted a 15-year-old victim and started a relationship with her. He stalked, coerced and controlled the young girl, watching for when she could be home alone and raped her multiple times throughout the relationship.

He was arrested in July 2022 after he raped the victim, left the address and then broke back into the property through the living room window, before threatening to kill her.

Enquiries showed that he had called the victim over 100 times and waited outside her address before leaving the area, eventually being arrested in the North of England a few days later.

On 26 July last year, Thorpe-Keen was charged by the CPS and remanded in custody. After an enduring 3 week trial at Chelmsford Crown Court, Thorpe-Keen was convicted of coercive and controlling behaviour, multiple rape, rape and breaches of courts orders. He was remanded into custody, and after a three-week trial, he was sentenced to 14 years in prison.

In her victim impact statement, the brave victim described how "he was so controlling that I lost a lot of friendships".

She said: "I still find it difficult to talk about my emotions and how I am feeling and I will often shut down."

Police Constable Thomas Olson, investigating officer from Essex Police's Child Abuse Investigation Team described him as a "manipulator", who tried to convince the young and vulnerable victim that he was not doing anything wrong.

PC Olson added: "He even tried to convince her that he hadn't raped her due to the fact that she had let him into the house on one of the occasions. He is a dangerous individual and has seriously affected the life of the victim.

"Despite being a long investigation, I am so proud of how the victim has conducted herself and the bravery she has demonstrated."

Support is there for anyone affected by rape and sexual abuse, and no victim or survivor is alone. Synergy Essex provides specialist support for victims and survivors of rape and sexual abuse of all ages and all genders across Essex, Thurrock and Southend.

For more information, visit the Synergy Essex website.