A man who repeatedly raped a teenage girl in the early 1990s has been jailed for eight and a half years after the victim came forward decades later and reported her ordeal to police.
Craig Haines, now 53, carried out the attacks between December 1991 and April 1992 at his home address in Dale Road, Rochester, when he was 18 years old. On occasions he also threatened the victim with violence. Haines was placed on the sex offenders register for life following his sentencing at Southwark Crown Court on 11 June.
When first interviewed by officers, Haines initially denied even knowing the victim. He was later charged with two counts of rape and pleaded guilty at Southwark Crown Court on 4 March 2026.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Emma Davies paid tribute to the victim’s courage. “Haines abused the young victim who has been left traumatised, and his actions have had a lasting and profound impact upon her life,” she said. “I would like to commend the victim for her bravery in coming forward to report her ordeal and assisting the investigation. I hope the conclusion of the case and the sentence passed may provide some closure for her.” She added: “I would encourage anyone who is a victim of sexual abuse, no matter when it happened, to get in touch with Kent Police. You will have our full support and we will always investigate crimes sensitively and professionally.”
If you have been affected by the issues raised in this article, support is available through Rape Crisis England and Wales.
