A 38-year-old man from Folkestone who raped two women and subjected them to a campaign of physical and sexual torture has been jailed for 20 years. Harry Arnold, formerly of The Street, Newington, was convicted of multiple sexual offences following a trial at Canterbury Crown Court.
The investigation began in February 2020 after a victim came forward to disclose Arnold’s offending to Kent Police. Officers commenced enquiries immediately and arrested Arnold two days later.
A second victim, who did not know the first woman, subsequently came forward to report that she had also been forced to endure repeated physical and sexual abuse. Both women had become the subjects of humiliation and degradation as Arnold indulged extreme sexual fantasies without their consent.
Specialist detectives from Kent Police completed a thorough investigation that involved gathering, examining, and analysing complex evidence, including extensive digital forensic data. Investigators reviewed 15 electronic devices alongside detailed medical records, and carried out multiple interviews to obtain witness statements before presenting a case file to the Crown Prosecution Service in February 2023.
Charges were subsequently secured against Arnold. After pleading not guilty, he was initially convicted of controlling and coercive behaviour at Canterbury Crown Court in February 2025. However, because that jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict on the rape charges, a retrial was ordered for March 2026.
At the conclusion of the second trial, also held at Canterbury Crown Court, Arnold was found guilty of a further eight offences, including multiple counts of rape against both victims.
He was sentenced on Wednesday 13 May 2026 to 20 years in prison. Upon becoming eligible for parole, he will serve an additional three years on licence, and he will be subject to the notification requirements of the sex offender register for life. Arnold was also issued with a restraining order and has been barred from working with children and vulnerable people indefinitely.
Investigating officer, Detective Constable Lizzie Burridge, said:
‘The conclusion of this case has rightly resulted in a significant custodial sentence for a depraved sexual aggressor. It is a strong testament to the courage and resilience of Arnold’s victims, who endured unimaginable abuse and then faced the additional trauma of not one, but two trials, in order to see their attacker brought to justice.
‘It also reflects the tenacity and professionalism of Kent Police officers who worked on the investigation, over several years, meticulously building a complex case, resulting in justice for the victims and the removal of a dangerous offender from the community.
‘We remain committed to pursuing sex offenders and will always strive to ensure those responsible for such appalling offences are made to face the consequences of their crimes.’