Man repeatedly drugged and raped woman in Swindon

A man has been found guilty of numerous counts of rape and administering a drug with intent following a trial by jury.

Lee Hampton, 50, of Hollingbourne, Kent, was found guilty of seven counts of rape, four counts of assault by penetration and two counts of administering a drug with intent in a trial at Swindon Crown Court.

The offences took place between January 2017 and October 2020 in Swindon and involved one victim, a woman in her 30s.

Over the four years, Hampton drugged the victim against her will on multiple occasions, crushing sleeping tablets up and putting them inside cold and flu tablets which she consumed, before raping her while she was asleep. 

He also attempted to spike her food with sleeping pills to facilitate his offending.

Hampton then shared videos and images of his offending with third parties.

In a Victim Personal Statement, the woman said: “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 discovering Hampton’s actions, the victim reported him to the police. He was investigated and subsequently charged and convicted.

He is due to be sentenced at a later date.

Investigating officer DC Kolasinski said: “There is no place in society for the horrific criminality that has taken place here. It represents some of the worst behaviour imaginable in humanity 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. 

“I would also like to highlight the diligent, determined, and relentless investigation that has been completed by Complex Crime Investigator Gemma Sole. 

"Whilst she has since left the Force, she supported the victim throughout this investigation and ensured that justice was provided to the victim.”