A Peterborough man has been sentenced to 26 years in prison after being convicted of raping two women. Wayne Lightfoot, 36, first attacked a woman on 4 September 2022. After initially consensual sex, Lightfoot ignored her repeated refusals and forced himself upon her at her home.
On 26 August 2023, he assaulted a second victim after a date in Peterborough. The woman changed her mind and tried to leave, but Lightfoot violently prevented her from leaving, seized her phone, and raped her at his Stanton Square, Hampton Hargate home.
Following a trial at Peterborough Crown Court, Lightfoot was found guilty of four counts of rape, seven counts of sexual assault, and false imprisonment. In addition to his 26-year sentence, he has been given an indefinite Restraining Order and Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
DC Kara Halls praised the bravery of the victims:
“Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the incredible courage of the victims for coming forward. It is thanks to their bravery that Lightfoot’s predatory behaviour has been exposed. Consent is everything. Consent can be given and retracted at any time; just because someone has consented before does not entitle anyone to anything.”
She encouraged others who might have experienced sexual offences to contact police, adding that specialised officers and support networks are available.
The sentencing comes under Operation Soteria, launched in 2021 to prevent violence against women and girls, improve investigations, and ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.
For information and support about consent, visit the Cambridgeshire Police website.
