Rapist Sentenced After Shocking Confession to Mate
A man has been jailed for raping a woman after she fell asleep at his home – and then admitted the crime in a message to a friend.
Alcohol-Fuelled Assault in Ashford
Theodore Weatherill, 23, attacked the woman in December 2019 following a drinking session at his Ashford residence. The victim woke to find Weatherill on top of her. When she later asked if they had sex, he denied it.
Damning Text Led to Arrest
But the truth surfaced when Weatherill sent a message to a friend confessing, “I raped a woman.” Police swiftly arrested him on 31 December 2019. Though he initially gave no comment, he changed his plea to guilty at Canterbury Crown Court on 12 May 2020.
Justice Served – Seven Years Behind Bars
Back at Canterbury Crown Court on 2 July, Weatherill was sentenced to seven years in prison for the offence.
“I would like to praise the bravery of this woman in assisting our investigation and the prosecution,” said PC Alan Atherton-Jackman, Kent Police’s lead investigator. “As the judge said, she is not a victim but a survivor.”
“I urge anyone who has suffered sexual assault to come forward. Kent Police will provide support and thoroughly investigate all reports.”
