Armed Rapist Caught After Terrifying Attack in Folkestone
On Friday afternoon, November 5, 2021, armed cops swooped on Tontine Street and arrested Richard Scaife, 46, from Dover.
He faced two counts of rape and possession of an imitation firearm while committing an offence, all uncovered by detectives from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate.
Chilling Attack Inside Folkestone Flat
Scaife had agreed to meet a woman who worked as a sex worker, but things turned sinister fast. Once inside a flat in Folkestone, he grabbed her by the throat and threatened her with a knife.
He raped her once, then pulled a gun from his jacket, locked the door, and attacked her again. Only after she persuaded him to leave did she call the police.
Armed and Dangerous: Weapons Found After Arrest
Officers caught Scaife as he tried to drive away. In his car, they found a folding knife, a bayonet, an imitation firearm, and duct tape strips inside his jacket.
A search of his home revealed even more weapons: a knuckleduster, samurai sword, machete, and more imitation firearms.
Brave Victim Praised as Scaife Gets 20 Years
At Canterbury Crown Court, Scaife was found guilty on all charges. He was sentenced to 20 years behind bars on July 29, 2022.
“Scaife put this victim through a terrifying ordeal,” said Detective Sergeant Dan Barker. “I would also like to praise her bravery in assisting our investigation and the resulting prosecution.”
“His actions and weapon stash paint a disturbing picture of a man who posed a serious threat to women.”
“I’m pleased our officers’ swift response led to his arrest and weapon seizure.”
Kent Police remain committed to protecting women and the public from violent offenders like Scaife.
