Broadstairs rapist given 19-years custodial sentence following discovery of footage raping another woman

A Broadstairs man has been given a 19-year custodial sentence after he was found guilty of raping two women.

On 30 March 2022, Kent Police received a report that James Golding had assaulted and raped a woman at his home earlier in the month.

Despite the woman’s attempts to leave, Golding had dragged her back and locked the door to stop her leaving. During the evening, he subjected his victim to violence, sexual assaults and pressured her into having drinks laced with ecstasy tablets.

The 43-year-old from the town, was charged on 4 April 2022 in connection with the incident.

Further offending uncovered

Upon his arrest, officers seized his phones, a hard drive and a laptop and reviewed what had been saved on those devices. The investigation team found footage of Golding raping another woman and a new investigation was launched to identify the victim and gather evidence. It resulted in Golding being charged for the offence.

Sentenced

He was sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court to a total of 19 years in custody on Monday 24 June 2024 after he was found guilty of two counts of rape, two counts of assault, one assault by penetration and a count of false imprisonment following a trial. He was cleared of one count of assault. It was ordered that he must also spend an additional four years on licence upon his release.

Kent Police Detective Constable Robert Potter said:

‘In cases such as this, our priority is to ensure the victims are heard and supported. Through the detailed work undertaken to investigate Golding in relation to one incident, further evidence of offending was uncovered by officers. We brought that evidence before the courts to ensure the extent of his dangerous behaviour against women was known and taken into consideration for sentencing.’

If you, or someone you know, has been the victim of rape, sexual assault, or another sexual offence, help and support is available on our advice pages. You can anonymously report non-recent, non-urgent incidents using the police online reporting service. Always call 999 in an emergency.

Further information about Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) can be found on our advice and information pages. If you have been a victim of violence and wish to report it, please use the online reporting service. Always call 999 in an emergency.