RAF Man Jailed For Raping Civilian

An RAF serviceman has been jailed for nine years after being convicted of rape and other sexual offences.

Paul Miles, 53, of RAF High Wycombe, raped and sexually assaulted a woman on 12 March 2015. He also sexually assaulted the same victim between August 2012 and March 2015.

He has now been dismissed from the RAF after spending 30 years climbing the ranks to become a warrant officer – the highest non-commissioned post.

Judge Justin Cole condemned Miles' "predatory" crimes on the young victim. The Bucks Free Press quoted him as saying:

"Counts one and two took a degree of planning. You took advantage of someone who was clearly in a vulnerable state, intoxicated, and asleep when you targeted her.

"You had previous good character, you were a warrant officer having previously been a military chef. You were the highest serving non-commissioned rank."

“You have not shown a flicker of remorse. Your version of events was there was a degree of consensual activity which had been exaggerated into sex.”

He concluded by addressing the victim, saying he hopes she can now begin rebuilding her life.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Andy Smith said:

"Miles has now been convicted of three sexual offences following a protracted investigation.

"I hope this will provide some closure to the victim. The conviction follows the victim having to give evidence and going through the ordeal of a Crown Court trial and I would like to commend her bravery for doing so."

"This case demonstrates how seriously we take every victim who comes forward to report a sexual offence to police. We listen to victims and ensure they are offered appropriate support."

"It is reassuring to know that Miles is now beginning a nine-year prison sentence as a result of his actions."

Miles was found guilty by unanimous jury following an eight-day trial. He was acquitted of one further count of sexual assault against another woman between December 2010 and January 2011.

He was sentenced to nine years' imprisonment for the rape offence, five years' imprisonment for the sexual assault by penetration and three years' imprisonment for the sexual assault by touching. The sentences will run concurrently.

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