Intruder raped woman as she slept on the sofa during attempted burglary

Sean Wilcox has been sentenced for 18 years for attacking a woman as she slept during an attempted burglary

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A man has been found guilty of raping a woman after a string of attempted burglaries. Aylesbury Crown Court heard a 29-year-old woman was asleep on the sofa in a home in Dulwich Close, Newport Pagnell, when Sean Wilcox entered the property and launched into his sex attack.

Wilcox had gained entry to unlocked door at 4.30am on July 26 last year after attempting other cars and homes in the area in a bid to steal items. After the 35-year-old attacked his victim, Wilcox fled the scene.

Thames Valley Police tracked him down and arrested him on August 1. He was then charged the following day.

Wilcox has now been sentenced to a total of 18 years’ imprisonment for offences against the woman and a string of others committed in the Thames Valley and Bedfordshire areas. He was found guilty by a unanimous jury following a four-day trial on January 16 this year.

He was convicted of the rape and also pleaded guilty to six counts of theft from a motor vehicle, three counts of fraud by false representation, three counts of vehicle interference, two counts of burglary with intent to steal and one count each of theft from a person, possession of class A drugs, namely cocaine and possession of class B drugs, namely cannabis.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Jessica Cooper, of Milton Keynes CID, said: “The bravery and courage shown by the victim throughout this investigation has been admirable.

“No sentence will ever change the impact that this man has had on her life. However, we hope that this sentence provides her with some measure of justice. This was a deeply traumatic offence committed against a woman who was asleep in a place where she had every right to feel safe.

“I would like to commend the victim for the strength she has shown in supporting this prosecution and helping to ensure that Wilcox was held accountable for his actions. We remain committed to investigating all reports of rape and serious sexual offences thoroughly, supporting victims and bringing offenders before the courts.”

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