Lee Hampton, 50, of Hollingbourne, Kent, has been found guilty of a series of harrowing offences, including multiple counts of rape and administering drugs with intent, after a trial by jury at Swindon Crown Court.
The court heard that between January 2017 and October 2020, Hampton subjected a woman in her 30s to repeated sexual assaults in Swindon. He crushed sleeping pills into cold and flu tablets, which he gave to the victim without her knowledge, before raping her while she was unconscious. On several occasions, Hampton also tried to spike her food to carry out further assaults.
Chillingly, Hampton recorded and shared videos and images of his abuse with others, adding to the trauma inflicted on the victim.
In a deeply moving statement read to the court, the victim shared the long-lasting psychological toll of the abuse: “The psychological damage cannot begin to be put into words, and I don’t know how to try and express the impact this has had on me. I worry for my future, that I will never be able to trust anyone again, that I will never enjoy a healthy relationship again, that I will never be me. I still have daily flashbacks and nightmares, both of what happened and the unknowns.”
After bravely reporting Hampton’s crimes to the police, an investigation led to his arrest and eventual conviction on seven counts of rape, four counts of assault by penetration, and two counts of administering a drug with intent. He will be sentenced at a later date.
Detective Constable Kolasinski, who led the case, said: “There is no place in society for the horrific criminality that has taken place here. It represents some of the worst behaviour imaginable and has no place in this day and age. I would like to thank the victim for her unwavering bravery during this investigation and subsequent trial. Without this support, justice may not have been brought to the offender. The courage that she has demonstrated should be admired and inspire others to come forward should they fall victim in such an egregious circumstance.”
DC Kolasinski also praised Complex Crime Investigator Gemma Sole, who provided steadfast support to the victim throughout the investigation before leaving the Force, ensuring justice was achieved.
