Man sentenced to five years in prison for rape

A man has been sentenced to five years in prison after raping a woman.

Lemar Whitter, aged 25, of Crossways in Luton, was found guilty of rape on Friday at Gloucester Crown Court.

He raped a woman on 30 November 2014 at her home. He already knew the victim and bumped into her whilst out clubbing in Gloucester before the incident.

Whitter, a Chosen Hill Rugby player who has been studying Psychology at the University of Luton, denied raping her, but was found guilty by the jury after a five day trial.

The investigating officer, DC Darren Smith, of the Rape and Serious Sexual Offence Unit, said: “We hope this sentencing indicates our determination to bringing offenders to justice and highlights that Gloucestershire Constabulary takes all rape and sexual offences extremely seriously.

“We urge anyone who has been a victim of a rape or sexual assault to contact police. We have a Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Unit with specially trained officers who will treat you with the utmost care and respect. Call 101, or 999 in an emergency.

“If you wish to report a rape or sexual assault, you can also contact the Gloucestershire Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre on 01452 526770 or you can visit the Hope House Sexual Assault Referral Centre in person, or call 01452 754390.”

Gloucester News Centre – http://gloucesternewscentre.co.uk