Savage Attack in Chatham: Two Sentenced for Brutal Rape Ordeal
Victim Lured to Private Home for Horrific Assault
Samantha Hart, 32, and Charlie Olding, 22, worked together to trick a victim into meeting them at a private Chatham address in the early hours of 10 September 2020. The victim, responding to a text from Olding, approached the house only to be attacked by Hart.
Terrifying Cellar Captivity and Violent Assault
A third man, Lee Kitchiner, 18, from Strood, then forced the victim into a cellar where Olding awaited. There, she was threatened, raped, and subjected to a prolonged, violent ordeal while Hart kept watch.
The victim showed remarkable bravery, eventually escaping later that same day. All three suspects were quickly arrested, charged, and remanded in custody.
Justice Served: Harsh Sentences for Two, Suspended for Third
- Hart was convicted of rape and causing sexual activity; sentenced to 11 years.
- Olding found guilty of the same offences; handed 10 years behind bars.
- Both also admitted assault causing actual bodily harm and must serve two-thirds of their sentences before parole eligibility.
- Kitchiner was found guilty of causing sexual activity but received a suspended sentence, 200 hours unpaid work, a 12-month tagged curfew, and a rehabilitation order.
“Hart and Olding acted together to subject the victim to the worst possible kind of abuse. Their offending was savage, depraved and completely remorseless,” said Detective Constable Kathryn Lumsden-Earle, lead investigator.
“The victim showed exceptional courage to report this and give evidence in court. Her bravery led to considerable custodial sentences for two dangerously violent offenders. I sincerely hope this outcome offers her some reassurance.”
