Two Men Jailed for Brutal Sexual Assault on Young Woman
Frank Smith and Leonard Wilson launched a savage sexual attack on a young woman on 28 August 2018. The victim was lured to a remote spot near Jockey Lane, where she was dragged from a vehicle with such force she hit her head before being raped by both men.
Thugs Threatened Victim to Stay Silent
Smith, then 18, and Wilson, just 17, didn’t stop there. They intimidated the victim, threatening harm to her family to stop her from going to the police. Despite their threats, the victim bravely came forward, leading to their arrest.
Convicted at Maidstone Crown Court
- Frank Smith, from Pluckley Road, Bethersden, was charged with sexual assault and two counts of rape.
- Leonard Wilson, of Plurenden Road, High Halstow, faced charges of rape, child pornography possession, and extreme pornographic images.
Both men denied the charges at Maidstone Crown Court but were each found guilty of one count of rape after a trial.
Sentenced to Years Behind Bars
On 9 April 2024, Smith, now 24, was slammed with a prison term of three years and nine months. Wilson, aged 23, was sentenced to three years and six months in jail.
Detective Kim Bashford of Kent Police’s West Division CID said: “Smith and Wilson not only subjected their victim to a harrowing sexual assault but used fear to silence her. The girl endured a lengthy investigation and trial, repeatedly reliving the trauma of that night.”
“A custodial sentence for such an abhorrent crime is just, regardless of their ages at the time. We thank the victim for her admirable courage in helping us secure their jail terms.”
“Kent Police takes every report of sexual offences seriously and is committed to thorough investigations handled with sensitivity. It is never too late to report a sexual offence. You will be believed.”
