Westward Ho! rapist jailed for 20 years

A Westward Ho! man has been jailed for 20 years after being found guilty of raping a child and other sexual offences.

Kevin Benham, 67, of Cornborough Road, Westward Ho!, was was sentenced at Exeter Crown Court yesterday (Tuesday, March 18) after being convicted of five counts of rape and three counts of sexual assault on two child victims following a trial in January.

Detective Sergeant Sacha Lewis, who supported the investigation said: “The victims in this case felt able to come forward and report these non-recent rapes and sexual assaults to police in 2022 and in their Victim Personal Statements, which were read out at Exeter Crown Court today, have described the impact of Benham’s offending against them.

“Both victims shared how they found it difficult to trust people and form personal relationships due to what had been done to them when they were young girls and how this continues to impact on them to this day, many years later.

“Both have exhibited great bravery and resilience in not only reporting this matter but in how they have dealt with the subsequent investigation and trial.

“Devon and Cornwall Police continue to stand with victims of such offences and hope that this gives courage to others who may have suffered such abuse to come forward and have their voices heard.

“Time is no barrier to justice.”

If you or someone you know has been a victim of rape or sexual assault, police have urged you not to suffer in silence and report it to them by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency. You can also report information and crimes on the Devon and Cornwall Police website.

Alternatively, you can report information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

For more information on rape and serious sexual assault and the support services available, visit support pages by clicking HERE.

Advice and support is also offered by:

• National Rape Crisis Helpline 0808 802 9999
• Devon and Cornwall Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC) 0300 3034626

The Stop It Now charity provides an anonymous helpline for anyone with concerns about child sexual abuse and can help if you are worried about your own thoughts, feelings or behaviour, or have any concerns about another adult or young person www.stopitnow.org.uk