A man from Strood has been jailed for 12 years after sexually assaulting and raping a young woman.
Mark Cranstoun targeted the victim at his flat just after 11pm on Saturday 30 July 2022.
The incident was reported to Kent Police and officers went to his home address, where he was arrested.
On 31 July, Cranstoun was charged with rape and sexual assault. He was remanded in custody and later pleaded not guilty at Maidstone Crown Court.
Sentenced
He was convicted after a trial and on Wednesday 1 February 2023, 48-year-old Cranstoun was sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment. He must serve at least eight years before applying for parole and will also be on the sex offenders register for life.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Kath Lumsden-Earle, said: ‘Kent Police takes all reports of violence against women and girls seriously and our officers act on information swiftly to seek justice for victims of violent and sexual crimes.‘Mark Cranstoun took advantage of a young woman for his own sexual gratification and his 12-year imprisonment means he can no longer harm anyone else for some considerable time. We hope this brings some comfort to the victim and her family.’
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