Rapist jailed for 12 years

A 35-year-old man convicted of rape, harassment and non-fatal strangulation has been jailed for 12 years.

James Chater, formerly of the Sleaford area, was sentenced for the charges when he appeared at Lincoln Crown Court on Friday, 7 November.

Chater pleaded guilty to two of the charges at an earlier trial – though he denied rape before he was eventually found guilty.

The crimes took place in the Sleaford area.

Chater was given a 12-year sentence, added to the sex offender’s register and given a sexual harm prevention order when he appeared in court. He has been jailed immediately.

Trainee Detective Constable Kieron Stewart, who led the investigation, paid tribute to the bravery of the victim and said this behaviour will not be tolerated in Lincolnshire.

“Chater’s actions were reprehensible and showed a lack of empathy and thought for his victim,” he said.

“This behaviour is unacceptable, and he has rightly been jailed today for the crimes he committed.

“Without the bravery of those who came forward to help us in our investigation, he could still be on the streets, so I’d like to pay tribute to their courage.

“This sends a message to any would-be offender – we will pursue you and pursue all lines of enquiry available to us.

“This is about delivering justice and deterring offenders – we will find you.

“And we will do everything in our power to support victims who come forward.”

If you’ve been the victim of rape or sexual assault or any other sexual offence, please report it to us as soon as possible.

Even if you’re not 100 per cent sure, we want to hear from you so that we can make sure you’re safe.

If you’re not ready to talk to the police just yet, that’s OK.

Follow this link here – Support for victims of rape and sexual assault | Lincolnshire Police (lincs.police.uk) to find out what other organisations can help and support you.

You can report a rape and sexual assault here – How to report rape and sexual assault | Lincolnshire Police (lincs.police.uk)