A 47-year-old man who raped a teenager in a secluded area of Tunbridge Wells before threatening to kill her has been sentenced to 10 years and nine months in prison.
Rocco Minafra, an Italian national residing in Tonbridge, approached the victim on a bicycle near Mount Ephraim Road on 18 October 2025, introducing himself as ‘Rocco’ before carrying out the attack.
Despite being threatened, the victim bravely reported the crime and retraced her steps with Kent Police officers to identify the exact location. Extensive CCTV enquiries led to Minafra’s arrest on 20 October. Although he denied the charges, he was convicted of rape, three counts of sexual assault, and threats to kill following a trial at Maidstone Crown Court in June 2026.
Minafra was sentenced on Tuesday 18 August 2026, where he was also handed a 15-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
Detective Charlene Brent praised the victim’s extraordinary courage in supporting the investigation, noting that diligent police work ensured Minafra was held accountable despite his attempt to deny the offences.