Violent rapist jailed for attacks on two women

A man who raped and sexually assaulted two women on separate occasions has been jailed.

John Cooper, from Gravesend, was arrested in 2023 after a woman reported he had raped, sexually assaulted and physically assaulted her.

While in custody, Kent Police identified a second woman who stated Cooper had put her through a similar ordeal in 2018.

At Woolwich Crown Court on Friday, the 29-year-old was sentenced to 18 years' imprisonment.

Cooper was originally charged with rape, sexual assault, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and intentional strangulation.

After the second allegation, he received further charges of rape, sexual assault and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

He pleaded not guilty, but was convicted following two separate trials.

Cooper will have to serve at least two-thirds of his sentence before he can apply for parole, and upon release, he will have to serve an additional seven years on licence.

He will also be subject to a sexual harm prevention order and have to sign the sex offenders register indefinitely.

Det Con Daniel Burnett said Cooper was a "violent sexual offender, who poses a very real danger to women".

"He brutally attacked two victims and subjected them both to an appalling ordeal for his own sexual gratification," he said.

"I would like to commend the two victims who showed immense courage in reporting their attacker to the police. They have ensured other women are not in danger from this vile individual."

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