DONALD RAYMOND AND SHOCKING RAPE IN AMESBURY, WILTSHIRE

In a disturbing case that unfolded in Wiltshire, a man named Donald Raymond has been sentenced to prison for the heinous crime of rape. The incident came to light after police officers, during a routine patrol, unexpectedly encountered a sexual assault in progress, leading to a significant legal outcome.

The events took place in March 2022 when Raymond, a 33-year-old resident of Amesbury, offered to give a woman a lift home. Instead of a straightforward journey, Raymond diverted to a secluded area in Wiltshire, where he parked his vehicle. It was at this remote location that he forcibly removed the woman’s clothing and committed the assault. The victim’s account of the attack was detailed and consistent, and it was corroborated by the officers who responded to the scene.

During the police patrol, officers arrived at the scene unexpectedly and witnessed the assault taking place. Despite their efforts to intervene, Raymond managed to escape from the scene before they could apprehend him. The officers’ body-worn camera footage captured critical evidence of the incident, which played a vital role in the subsequent legal proceedings.

Following a trial that lasted a week at Winchester Crown Court, the evidence presented—including the victim’s testimony, the officers’ accounts, and the body camera footage—led to a guilty verdict against Raymond. The court sentenced him on October 20 to nine years in prison. Additionally, Raymond was ordered to register as a sex offender for life, reflecting the severity of his crime.

DC Martyn Powell of South CID expressed his commendation for the victim’s bravery, stating, “I would like to praise the victim in this case for having the courage and conviction to see this through a difficult 18 months and a week-long trial.” He also highlighted the importance of the police officers’ quick response and the evidence they collected, which was instrumental in securing justice.

DC Powell further emphasized the importance of reporting sexual violence, saying, “I hope that this sentence inspires others who have suffered sexual violence to come forward and report incidents to the police where we will endeavour to support you.” The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and the commitment of law enforcement to protect victims and bring offenders to justice.