Rapist jailed for attacking woman after night out

A man has been jailed for seven years after he raped a woman in her 20s following a night out.

Sam Layne, from Lambeth in London, attacked his victim at his home address in Banbury after the pair had been out together on 14 February 2023.

The 41-year-old was found guilty of one count of rape by a majority verdict following a four-day trial at Oxford Crown Court in April.

During a sentencing hearing at the same court, Layne was also given an indefinite restraining order and a sexual harm prevention order for 15 years.

Thames Valley Police said Layne's attack had first been reported by a friend of the victim three days after the pair's encounter.

They said Layne, who knew the victim, invited her back to his home address to continue socialising.

After she fell asleep, Layne proceeded to rape her, the force said.

Det Con Sarah Osborne explained: "The victim fell asleep fully clothed in the presence of a man she trusted to keep her safe.

"Sam Layne chose to exploit that trust, raping her while she was asleep, vulnerable, and unable to give consent.

"This was a serious and profound violation of her trust, her dignity, and her sense of safety."

Osborne commended the victim for her "bravery in coming forward and for her strength throughout the criminal justice process".

"Reporting such an offence can be incredibly difficult, and her courage should not be underestimated," she added.