MARGATE MAN SENTENCED TO 9 YEARS FOR RAPE AND FALSE IMPRISONMENT
James Bedingfield, from Margate, was convicted and sentenced for heinous sexual crimes.In April 2016, he subjected a woman to a brutal assault at his residence in Canterbury Road, Margate.
The victim was dragged by her hair to Bedingfield's bedroom, where he raped her, during which he held a pillow over her face to suffocate her.
After the assault, he refused to let her leave, tied her hands and feet, and silenced her by pushing a sock into her mouth.
According to court reports, the victim visited Bedingfield's home in the early hours of June 21 last year.
During the incident, Bedingfield became angry and launched his vicious attack.
When police interviewed him, he claimed that the sex had been consensual and that they had argued afterwards, which upset the woman.
However, the jury rejected his version of events.
On sentencing, Bedingfield received nine years in prison for rape and an additional three years for false imprisonment, with both sentences to run concurrently.
Detective Sergeant Daniel Aylett commended the victim for her bravery and support throughout the process.
