Man charged after woman raped in Benfleet
It happened in the area of Villa Road Recreation Ground
Last updated 27th Sep 2025
A man has appeared in court charged with rape and wounding after a woman was attacked in Benfleet.
Police were called at around 11pm on Monday (22 September), with a woman reporting she had been the victim of a serious assault in the area of Villa Road Recreation Ground.
She received treatment for a knife wound, which was thankfully not life-threatening. Officers arrested a man a short time later.
Kyle Pauley, 23, of Brook Road, Benfleet, has been charged with rape, wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and possession of a knife in a public place.
He appeared at Southend Magistrates’ Court on Friday (26 September), where he was remanded in custody until a further hearing at Basildon Crown Court on Friday 24 October.
Detective Inspector Lydia George, senior investigating officer, said:
“I’m acutely aware of the widespread public concern that will follow an incident like this.
“Although incidents of this nature are thankfully rare in Benfleet and wider Essex, they demand our focus and utmost attention as a police force when they do occur.
“That is exactly what has happened in this case.
“Since it was first reported to us, we’ve worked hard to get to where we are now – the point of charge.
“This work included the initial response, securing an arrest very quickly after the call first came into us.
“It also includes our enquiries in gathering the evidence we needed to take the case to the Crown Prosecution Service, and it includes ensuring specialist support will remain in place for the woman at the heart of this matter throughout this case.
“If anyone has any information or footage which could further assist us in this matter, we’ve set up a dedicated public portal for you to contact us.”