July 2023

Sittingbourne rapist sentenced to 21 years imprisonment

A man from Sittingbourne has been sentenced to 21 years imprisonment for multiple rapes and other sex offences over a period of several years

Kevin Lusted denied responsibility for a catalogue of offences against a victim between 2016 and 2022 but was found guilty following a trial at Maidstone Crown Court.

Lusted, of Spade Lane, Sittingbourne, was arrested in March last year and a Kent Police investigation uncovered evidence he had raped and abused his victim.

He also subjected them to repeated threats including that they would be tied up and shot.

The 50-year-old was charged with 11 counts of rape and seven other offences relating to sexual abuse.

Lusted pleaded not guilty and the case went to trial at Maidstone Crown Court, where on 15 March 2023 he was convicted by a jury on all counts.

Lusted was sentenced on Friday 28 July and will be subject to a sexual harm prevention order for life.