Truro man given 7-year sentence for rape of cancer patient

TRURO MAN GIVEN 7-YEAR SENTENCE FOR RAPE OF CANCER PATIENT

Christopher Diamond, 48, from Truro was convicted and sentenced to seven years in prison for the rape of a woman in May 2022.

The court heard that Diamond approached his victim, a woman undergoing cancer treatment with a prognosis of months rather than years, while she was out socializing with friends.

Despite her clear disinterest and attempts to distance herself, Diamond made "a beeline" for her and tried to befriend her, eventually walking her home while she was heavily intoxicated and struggling to walk or talk.

In her home, while she was unconscious or asleep after being sick, Diamond raped her.

The victim awoke confused to find him in her house, and he left hastily, leaving behind his underpants.

The woman was able to piece together what happened and reported the crime.

Diamond was arrested and charged with one count of rape, which he denied but was found guilty of after a trial.

He was sentenced to seven years in prison, with two-thirds to be served before release on license.

He will be on the sex offenders register for life.

The judge noted Diamond's poor health due to Hodgkin lymphoma, which was at stage 4, and highlighted that it would be difficult for him in custody due to his illness.

The judge also commented that Diamond showed no remorse and had denied the scientific evidence against him, which proved he committed the rape.

The sentencing emphasized the immense pain caused to the victim and acknowledged that only a custodial sentence was justified, considering the circumstances.