Tonbridge Man Jailed Over Eight Years for Child Rape in Woodland Attack
A 20-year-old Tonbridge man has been locked up for eight and a half years after being found guilty of multiple sex offences against a child—including rape—in a grim woodland assault.
Denial Fails as Jury Convicts
Courtney Porter, from Trench Road, Tonbridge, claimed the sexual contact was consensual during his trial at Maidstone Crown Court. But the jury rejected his defence and convicted him on all counts, including rape and two assaults by penetration.
Attack in Isolated Woodland
The horrific offences took place in secluded woodland off Higham Lane last year. Porter was arrested on 1 December 2019 after allegations were reported to kent-police/" title="Kent Police" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Kent Police.
Justice Served for Victim
Detective Constable Falconer of the West Kent Vulnerability Investigation Team led the case. He said:
“This was a predatory assault carried out in an isolated area where Porter knew he wouldn’t be disturbed. He has subjected his young victim to a truly harrowing ordeal and no doubt caused immeasurable long term damage and distress.”
“I would like to thank the victim for the tremendous courage they have shown to give evidence and help us ensure Porter is now serving a significant prison sentence.
“He is clearly a dangerous individual and the streets are certainly a safer place now he is in prison. I hope the sentence will provide some comfort to the victim that at least justice has now been served.”
Porter must serve two-thirds of his sentence before parole and will remain on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely.
