Skip to main contentEnter
Purposeful journalism for people who care about our town
Ipswich.co.uk logoSupport our journalism
News

Ipswich man jailed for five years after rape conviction

Leon Thomas, 53, formerly of Farina Close in Ipswich, was sentenced at Ipswich Crown Court on Thursday after a jury found him guilty of raping a woman he knew.

Leon Thomas
Suffolk Constabulary
Leon Thomas

The details: Thomas appeared before Ipswich Crown Court on Thursday, 27 November for sentencing after being found guilty of rape by a jury at an earlier hearing.

The court heard that Thomas and the victim were known to each other and that the attack had taken place at her home address.

A video recording had taken place at the time of the offence. Although visual footage was unclear, audio was captured and played to the court, in which the victim is heard clearly asking the suspect to stop.

Thomas has been ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life following his conviction.

What they're saying: Detective Constable William Wright, the investigation officer, said: "Thomas took advantage of the victim and, despite the clear audio evidence, he denied that he was the male in the recording or that he was guilty of any wrongdoing, thereby forcing the victim to relive the experience in court.

"This case serves as a reminder that consent is not optional."

The bottom line: Thomas will spend five years in prison and remain on the Sex Offenders Register for life after being convicted of rape.

It cost us ~£14 to produce this article

Our content is free to read thanks to the generous support of Suffolk New College

Suffolk New College Ipswich campus

A leading further education institution serving Suffolk with three distinct campuses

With a wide range of vocational courses, apprenticeships, T-Levels, and adult learning programmes, we give you the tools you need to succeed.
News

SEN Santa sessions at Buttermarket this weekend

Santa will turn down the music and limit numbers at the Buttermarket Shopping Centre this weekend after parents asked for calmer festive events for children with special educational needs (SEN).
by
Continue reading →
News

Suffolk researchers test whether singing can treat Parkinson's 'poker face'

Researchers in Suffolk are launching what they believe is the first UK study testing whether musical-theatre-style singing can rehabilitate facial expression in Parkinson's patients – addressing a symptom that affects around 9 in 10 people but has limited treatment options.
by
Continue reading →
News

Woman fighting for life after hit-and-run on Burrell Road

A woman is in a life-threatening condition in hospital after being hit by a car whose driver fled the scene on Burrell Road in Ipswich this morning, with a man in his 30s now arrested in connection with the incident.
by
Continue reading →

Ipswich Central, Attwells Solicitors and All About Hearing

Aerial view of Ipswich town centre and waterfront

Ipswich Central

Ipswich Central is the Business Improvement District (BID) for the town centre, waterfront, and 'Connected Town' area.
Russell Osman having his ears checked by All About Hearing audiologist and co-director, Karen Finch

Exceptional hearing care with a personal touch

Suffolk’s independent hearing specialists, combining expert care, cutting-edge technology and personalised service to help you hear at your best.
News

Gym manager's childhood inspires hospital toy appeal

A Martlesham gym manager who spent much of her childhood in hospital has launched a toy appeal that has collected nearly 150 Christmas gifts for young patients at Ipswich Hospital.
by
Continue reading →

Ipswich Central, Attwells Solicitors and All About Hearing

Aerial view of Ipswich town centre and waterfront

Ipswich Central

Ipswich Central is the Business Improvement District (BID) for the town centre, waterfront, and 'Connected Town' area.
Russell Osman having his ears checked by All About Hearing audiologist and co-director, Karen Finch

Exceptional hearing care with a personal touch

Suffolk’s independent hearing specialists, combining expert care, cutting-edge technology and personalised service to help you hear at your best.
News

Police appeal for witnesses after Pearl Road burglary

Detectives are investigating a burglary at a home on Pearl Road in Ipswich on Monday evening, where jewellery and bank cards were stolen and used fraudulently.
by
Continue reading →
Load more content
This article is free to read thanks to
Want our best content delivered to your inbox every Friday?

Have you subscribed to our free weekly newsletter?

If you haven’t, you really should. You’ll get our best content delivered to your inbox every Friday afternoon, just in time for the weekend. You can unsubscribe at any time, although 99.7% of people don’t.

  • Lee Walker
  • Joe Bailey of Brighten the Corners
  • Mark Hubert
6,630+ people are already loving it