RAPIST WHO ATTACKED TEENAGE BOY ON TRAIN IN KENT JAILED FOR 24 YEARS
A man described by law enforcement as "depraved and dangerous" has received a 24-year prison sentence after attacking a 14-year-old boy on a train.Christopher Key, aged 39 from Folkestone, was traveling on the same train as the teenager in Margate on 27 March 2023, where he sat opposite the boy at a table seat.
During the journey, Key engaged the teenager with inappropriate questions and stared at him, creating a threatening environment.
The boy managed to record a brief video of Key’s face before being threatened and assaulted.
Fortunately, the boy escaped and gained the attention of a couple on the train, who intervened and confronted the attacker.
This allowed the victim to disembark safely.
He then returned home and informed his mother, who called emergency services.
The couple remained on the train with Key and alerted a train guard.
The photo of Key, taken by the victim, was forwarded to police officers, leading to his arrest while still onboard.
On 8 December at Canterbury Crown Court, Key pleaded guilty to the rape and was sentenced to 24 years in prison.
On the same day, he received an additional sentence for sexually assaulting a woman at her Hythe home in April 2020.
During that incident, he subjected her to days of abuse, including physical assault that caused bruising.
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Sergeant Mike Blakeburn described Key as a dangerous predator targeting a lone teenager.
He expressed satisfaction that the investigation resulted in a substantial custodial term and thanked the victim and his family for their support.
He also praised the victim's bravery in reporting the attack promptly, which facilitated a swift police response, as well as the bystanders who helped the victim escape.
Blakeburn emphasized that tackling sexual violence remains a top priority for the British Transport Police, who are committed to pursuing justice in such cases.
