A man who repeatedly raped a teenage girl more than 30 years ago has been jailed for eight years and six months.
Craig Haines, now 53, carried out the attacks between December 1991 and April 1992, when he was 18 years old. The victim reported that the offences took place at his home address in Dale Road, Rochester, and stated that he would also threaten her with violence on occasions.
When interviewed by police officers, Haines initially denied knowing the victim. However, he was later charged with two counts of rape and pleaded guilty at Southwark Crown Court on 4 March 2026. Appearing at the same court on 11 June, Haines was handed his prison sentence and placed on the sex offenders register for life.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Emma Davies said:
‘Haines abused the young victim who has been left traumatised, and his actions have had a lasting and profound impact upon her life.
‘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.
‘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.’