A man who raped a woman after giving her drugs and alcohol has been sentenced to 10 years in prison.
The victim was persuaded to drink champagne and smoke cannabis before passing out.
Once the woman was unconscious, Gary Duke forced himself on her.
The attack took place on November 13, 2022, at a property in Maidstone.
Police were called after the woman regained consciousness and reported she had been raped.
The offender, 59 and living in Lockside, Tonbridge, had fled the scene before officers arrived.
He was later arrested and charged with rape.
Despite denying the allegation, he was found guilty following a trial at Maidstone Crown Court and sentenced on July 25.
During the hearing, the court was told Duke had consumed alcohol and illicit drugs and encouraged the woman to do the same.
Once she was unconscious, he carried out the assault.
He later claimed he had sex with the victim in his sleep and was unaware of his actions.
Detective Constable Joanne Burt, who led the investigation, described it as a “pre-meditated assault” and said Duke showed no remorse.
She 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.
“I am grateful to her for her strength in helping to secure a conviction.”
