A man who raped a woman in her own home in Hastings has been jailed for 15 years.
Police were called to an address in Milward Crescent on 30 November 2024 following a report that a woman had been raped.
That evening, the victim answered a knock at her door expecting a delivery — but was confronted by a masked man she did not know.
The attacker, later identified as 32-year-old Jason Wren, of Redmayne Drive, Hastings, threatened the woman to stay silent and subjected her to a violent sexual assault. He fled around 15 minutes later and was caught on CCTV leaving the area.
The victim immediately called 999, and specialist officers attended to support her and begin an investigation.
Extensive house-to-house enquiries, CCTV analysis, and witness accounts led officers to identify Wren as the prime suspect. He had been seen circling the area prior to the attack, and witnesses described his behaviour as suspicious.
Following a media appeal, Wren handed himself in at Hastings Police Station on 7 December, where he was arrested on suspicion of rape. He denied the allegations, claiming the encounter had been consensual and pre-arranged — but investigators found no evidence to support this.
He was charged with rape, attempted rape, and trespassing with intent to commit a sexual offence.
Wren denied all charges but was found guilty by a jury following a six-day trial at Hove Crown Court on 3 June. He was remanded in custody and returned to the same court on Friday, 12 September, where he was sentenced to 15 years in prison and ordered to serve a further seven years on licence.
Detective Inspector Amanda Zinyama from the Major Crime Team said:
“A person’s home should be their safe space, yet Jason Wren completely disregarded that when he forced his way into the victim’s address.
“He categorically denied the allegation of rape, however, the jury saw through his lies, and he has now been sentenced.
“Wren’s predatory behaviour was evident in the way he circled the property, waiting for what he perceived to be the perfect moment to strike.
“The victim showed immense courage by immediately reporting the incident and providing vital information.
“We would also like to thank everyone who assisted with our enquiries and shared details that helped us secure this outcome, ensuring a dangerous offender has been removed from the streets.”
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