A man repeatedly drugged a woman in Swindon – so he could rape her.
Lee Hampton crushed sleeping tablets and put them inside cold and flu capsules, which the victim – a woman aged in her 30s – consumed.
The 50-year-old would then rape his victim while she slept – filming and photographing the attack before sharing the content with third parties.
He also attempted to spike her food with sleeping pills to facilitate his offending, which took place between January 2017 and October 2020.
After discovering what Hampton had done to her, the victim reported it to the police. He was arrested, investigation and later charged with a string of crimes.
The defendant, who previously lived locally but now resides in Hollingbourne, Kent, was found guilty of seven counts of rape, four counts of assault by penetration and two counts of administering a drug with intent in a trial at Swindon Crown Court.
In a personal statement, the victim said: “The psychological damage cannot begin to be put into words, and I don’t know how to try and express the impact this has had on me.”
“I worry for my future, that I will never be able to trust anyone again… that I will never be me. I still have daily flashbacks and nightmares, both of what happened and the unknowns.”
Hampton is due to be sentenced at a later date.
Investigating officer DC Kolasinski said: “There is no place in society for the horrific criminality that has taken place here. It represents some of the worst behaviour imaginable in humanity and has no place in this day and age.
“I would like to thank the victim for her unwavering bravery during this investigation and subsequent trial. Without this support, justice may not have been brought to the offender.
“The courage that she has demonstrated should be admired and inspire others to come forward should they fall victim in such an egregious circumstance.
“I would also like to highlight the diligent, determined, and relentless investigation that has been completed by Complex Crime Investigator Gemma Sole.
“Whilst she has since left the Force, she supported the victim throughout this investigation and ensured that justice was provided to the victim.”