Maidenhead & Windsor

A Maidenhead man was sentenced at Reading Crown Court on Friday (5/2) to a minimum of six-and-a-half years in prison for false imprisonment, rape and assault.

Reynold Leon Reid, aged 47, of Knowl Hill, Maidenhead, was found guilty after a 12-day trial at Reading Crown Court in October 2009. The jury returned four unanimous verdicts of rape, one majority verdict of rape and one unanimous verdict of false imprisonment. On one charge of rape there was a hung jury. During the trial Reid changed his plea to guilty on two counts of common assault.

Reid was given an indeterminate sentence, but will have to serve a minimum of six-and-a-half-years in prison before being considered for release. He will also be placed on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely.

Between 1 and 3 August 2008, Reid carried out five offences of rape and also held his victim against her will at his home address in Knowl Hill for several hours. The other rape took place in June 2008 and the assaults in May and August 2008.

Reid's Maidenhead victim, who does not wish to be identified, commented after the trial: "I'm over the moon with the guilty verdict and feel so relieved at the result. It has made the very long stressful trial worth it. I am very happy and finally feel believed. It was always my worry that the jury would find (Reid) innocent after all the horrible things he made me endure. I had blocked out most of what happened to me, preparing myself for the worst.

"I was not scared to call the police; I was more embarrassed by the details… I feel the police have been very caring towards me while dealing with my case. I am aware there are other cases going on, but I personally felt that I had their undivided attention and 100 per cent commitment. The police and their sensitive approach were extremely appreciated by me and my family.

"I would definitely urge anyone else (who has been a victim of sexual offences) to pursue a complaint. I would tell that person how well I was treated and dealt with in a very positive manner by Thames Valley Police."

Following the Maidenhead sentence, she added: “It is hard to put into words exactly how I am feeling now that he has been sentenced. But I am truly over the moon with the outcome and feel a massive weight has been lifted. I would like to say that the police have been fantastic in their work, very supportive and caring. Now it's time for me to move on with my life, with the support of my family and counselling.”

Specially Trained Officer (STO) PC Teri Howes, the Maidenhead victim’s dedicated support officer, said: “This result demonstrates that the criminal justice system takes such reports very seriously and I would like to reassure and encourage victims of such assaults to come forward."

Maidenhead Det Con Sue Beacham, who led the investigation, said: "I would like to express my appreciation to the victim for her courage, both during the investigation and throughout the long trial."

Within the Thames Valley Police area, each victim of a serious sexual offence is assigned a Specially Trained Officer (STO), who acts as a dedicated contact point.

The main roles undertaken by the STO include:

•Establish a rapport with the aggrieved

•Explain procedures which will be undertaken

•Work with the Force Medical Examiner (doctor) in preparing exhibits

•Conduct video or written interviews with victim and witnesses

•Advise on support networks and agencies for the victim

•Work with other agencies in supporting the victim

•Provide up-to-date information to the investigating officers

•Provide up-to-date information to victim and family/carers

•Support victim in relation to court appearances.

Thames Valley Police ~ Maidenhead