Rapist jailed after attacking stranger in her home

A man who forced his way into a stranger’s home in Hastings and raped her has been sentenced to 15 years imprisonment, extended for a further seven years.

Jason Wren, 32, was seen by witnesses acting suspiciously outside the property in November 2024, while the woman was home alone.

He knocked at the door and, thinking it was a house mate who may have forgotten their keys, the woman opened the door. Wren grabbed her by the throat and said he would hurt her if she made any noise.

He then raped her and attempted to rape her, telling her that he would kill her if she refused. The woman immediately called police as soon as he left and a media appeal was launched. Wren handed himself in a few days later and was unanimously convicted following a trial.

Daniel Harrison from the Crown Prosecution Service said: “Jason Wren is a dangerous man with a fascination for rape, who carefully planned his attack, wearing a face covering and putting on a pair of gloves shortly beforehand.

“He took time beforehand to check whether anyone was coming or going from the victim’s house, repeatedly peering in through one of the windows and acting in such a strange way outside her house that nearby witnesses were concerned about his behaviour.

“Once Wren was certain the woman was alone, he forced his way into a complete stranger’s home and threatened to kill her, before attacking her.  

“Everyone should be able to feel secure in their own home, but Wren shattered that feeling of safety that night when he launched what can only be described as a horrendous attack.

“The Crown Prosecution Service is committed to securing justice for all victims of rape, whether they are attacked by someone they know or, less commonly, by a stranger. We will continue to work closely with the police to prosecute sex offenders like Wren to the full extent of the law.”