A man from Tonbridge who raped a woman after plying her with drugs and alcohol has been given a 10-year jail term for his crimes.
Gary Duke encouraged his victim to drink champagne and smoke cannabis before sexually abusing her as she slept.
Kent Police were called on 13th November 2022 to a report of rape at a property in Maidstone. Duke consumed alcohol and illicit substances and persuaded the victim to do the same.
Once the woman was unconscious, Duke forced himself on her and fled the scene before she regained consciousness. The 59 year old, of Lockside in Tonbridge, was later arrested and subsequently charged with rape.
He pleaded not guilty to the offence but was convicted following a trial and sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday 25th July 2025.
Investigating officer, Detective Constable Joanne Burt, said ‘Duke carried out a pre-meditated assault on his victim, purchasing drugs and alcohol with the intention of disarming her and taking advantage of her for his own sexual gratification. He showed no remorse throughout and denied his actions, forcing the victim to relive a traumatic incident in court proceedings. The offender even went so far as making fictitious claims that he had sex with his victim in his sleep and was unaware of his actions.’
