Tunbridge Wells man sentenced over rape and attempted murders

03/08/2012

A Tunbridge Wells man, who pleaded guilty to rape and two counts of attempted murder, has today (Friday 3 August) been given a life sentence and will have to serve a minimum term of ten years.

Haydn Prager had pleaded guilty to the charges at an earlier hearing at Maidstone Crown Court. The case relates to an incident in Langton Green in February 2012 in which Haydn Prager broke into a house and subjected a young woman to multiple stab wounds and rape, which left her in a critical condition. A 15 year old was also stabbed a number of times during the attack.

During the sentencing His Honour Judge Statman described the two victims' "bravery and determination."

District Crown Prosecutor in the CPS South East, Janet Garnons-Williams,said: "The prosecution felt that there was clear evidence that Prager had intended to kill both of his victims. He collected a knife from his flat before walking several miles to the victim's home, having established that their parents were away. Both victims were woken from sleep by Prager and whilst the second victim did all he could to lure the defendant away from his sister.

"She showed great presence of mind in making a very distressing 999 calls to the police during the attack.The very prompt action of the officers who attended in response almost certainly saved her life. Although both victims were prepared to give evidence, It is an immense relief to both victims and their family that Prager's guilty plea has spared them from having to go through a trial and relive what was a terrifying experience for them which will leave lasting scars."