A Tonbridge man, Gary Duke, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for raping a woman after incapacitating her with drugs and alcohol. The 59-year-old was convicted following a trial at Maidstone Crown Court and sentenced on Friday, July 25, 2025.
Kent Police were alerted to the rape on November 13, 2022, at a property in Maidstone. Investigations revealed that Duke had encouraged his victim to consume champagne and cannabis before sexually assaulting her while she was unconscious.
Duke fled the scene before the victim regained consciousness. He was later arrested and charged with rape. Despite pleading not guilty, he was convicted after the court heard how he had plied the victim with alcohol and illicit substances with the intent of sexually abusing her.
Detective Constable Joanne Burt, the investigating officer, condemned Duke’s actions, stating,
“Duke carried out a pre-meditated assault on his victim, purchasing drugs and alcohol with the intention of disarming her and taking advantage of her for his own sexual gratification.”
She added that Duke
“Showed no remorse throughout and denied his actions, forcing the victim to relive a traumatic incident in court proceedings. The offender even went so far as making fictitious claims that he had sex with his victim in his sleep and was unaware of his actions.”
Detective Constable Burt expressed gratitude to the victim for her cooperation, hoping the “lengthy custodial sentence imposed brings her some comfort.”