Greenford Man Jailed for Raping Woman in Slough |
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Andrew Collins plied victim with alcohol before the attack
A man who followed a woman through Slough town centre before supplying her with alcohol and raping her has been sentenced to an extended term of thirteen years following a Thames Valley Police investigation. Andrew Collins, 35, of Beechwood Avenue in Greenford received a ten-year custodial sentence with a further three years on licence when he appeared at Reading Crown Court on Thursday 22 January. He was also made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order upon release. The sentencing follows a six-day trial at the same court in November last year, during which a unanimous jury found Collins guilty of one count of rape. He was acquitted on two other related charges. The court heard that between 6pm and 7pm on 12 November 2024, CCTV cameras recorded Collins, then aged 34, following the victim through Slough town centre. He later exchanged contact details with her and arranged to meet again that evening. During that meeting he provided her with alcohol before carrying out the attack. Collins was arrested a week later, on 19 November, and charged the following day. Detective Constable Cat Sykes, who led the investigation, praised the victim’s courage throughout the case. She said the woman had shown “immense bravery” and thanked her for her “continued support, patience and the faith she has placed in the Criminal Justice System.” DC Sykes added that the sentence reflected the seriousness of the offence and demonstrated Thames Valley Police’s determination to pursue sexual offenders. “Collins’ sentencing today is a testament to the commitment of Thames Valley Police to bring to justice sexual offenders and to make our streets a safe place for everyone,” she said. “I would also like to reassure the public that we will always look to prosecute anyone who commits sexual offences, recent or non-recent. You will be supported, no matter what the passage of time, and we will bring offenders to justice.” If you’d like, I can also prepare a shorter news-in-brief version or a version suitable for a newsletter or community bulletin.
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