Man convicted of rape in Kettering following retrial
Dylan Saunderson sentenced to nine years in prison
A 22-year-old, has been convicted of raping a woman in Kettering following a retrial at Northampton Crown Court.
Dylan Saunderson first stood trial in August last year, facing charges of three counts of rape, one count of assault, and one count of administering a noxious substance.
The jury initially found Saunderson guilty of assault, not guilty of two counts of rape, and administering a noxious substance.
However, the jury could not reach a verdict on the third count of rape, prompting the victim to support a retrial.
The retrial lasting four days concluded with the jury delivering a guilty verdict swiftly after deliberating for two hours.
The offence occurred on 28th September 2023, when Saunderson attacked the victim inside a Kettering property.
He was sentenced to nine years in prison for rape and will serve 18 months for assault concurrently.
Additionally, he was given six months for a separate dangerous dog offence, to run consecutively.
Saunderson will remain on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.
During sentencing, His Honour Judge Mayo told the court that “this was a prolonged attack which was aggravated by the assault.”
Lead investigator - Detective Sergeant Chelsea Noble from the Force’s SOLAR Team said: “I’d like to commend the survivor in this case for the strength she has shown throughout this process. She has had to endure not one, but two trials, and the fact that she pushed for a retrial says everything about her absolute determination to get justice for what happened to her.
“In her victim personal statement, she commented on how she felt her life was on hold due to what Saunderson did to her, so I hope the conclusion of this case allows her to move forward. She has a bright future ahead of her and we wish her nothing but the best.
“Tackling violence against women and girls is a priority for Northamptonshire Police and I hope this case demonstrates how important victim care and getting justice is to us.”
If you have been a victim of sexual abuse, whether recent or non-recent, please come forward by calling 101 or via the online reporting tool at www.northants.police.uk/RO.
Find advice and support, including steps you can take if you’re not yet ready to make a report to police, here: https://www.northants.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/advice/rape-sexual-assault-and-other-sexual-offences/
You can also visit www.voicenorthants.org or call Voice on 0300 303 1965 for free, confidential support.