Rapist from Sleaford jailed for 12 years

Lincolnshire Police said James Chater, formerly of the Sleaford area, was sentenced for the charges when he appeared at Lincoln Crown Court on Friday, November 7.

Chater pleaded guilty to two of the charges at an earlier trial – though he denied rape before he was eventually found guilty, said police in a statement on the case.

The crimes are said to have taken place in the Sleaford area.

Lincolnshire Police said Chater was given a 12-year sentence and immediately jailed, added to the sex offender’s register and given a sexual harm prevention order when he appeared in court.

Trainee Detective Constable Kieron Stewart, who led the investigation, paid tribute to the bravery of the victim and said this behaviour will not be tolerated in Lincolnshire.

“Chater’s actions were reprehensible and showed a lack of empathy and thought for his victim,” he said.

“This behaviour is unacceptable, and he has rightly been jailed today for the crimes he committed.

“Without the bravery of those who came forward to help us in our investigation, he could still be on the streets, so I’d like to pay tribute to their courage.

“This sends a message to any would-be offender – we will pursue you and pursue all lines of enquiry available to us.

“This is about delivering justice and deterring offenders - we will find you.

“And we will do everything in our power to support victims who come forward.”

If you’ve been the victim of rape or sexual assault or any other sexual offence, please report it to police as soon as possible.

Even if you’re not 100 per cent sure, they want to hear from you so that they can make sure you’re safe.

If you’re not ready to talk to the police just yet, that’s OK.

You can report a rape and sexual assault to https://www.lincs.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/advice/rape-sexual-assault-and-other-sexual-offences/