Man jailed for 12 years after rape and knife attack on woman in Benfleet
Kyle Pauley stabbed the victim in the stomach after she tried to fight him off during the assault
A 24-year-old man has been jailed for 19 years after raping and stabbing a stranger in Benfleet last September.
Kyle Pauley, from Brook Road, targeted a woman near Villa Road Recreation Ground on the night of 22nd September 2025.
The victim reported that he followed her, threatened her with a knife, and took her to a nearby field where the assault occurred.
When she tried to resist, Pauley stabbed her in the stomach before fleeing the scene.
The woman made her way home, where emergency services were contacted.
Though her injuries were serious, they were not life-threatening.
Essex Police arrested Pauley within an hour of being called.
The investigation recovered crucial evidence, including the victim’s glasses, the discarded knife, DNA links, and GPS data from Pauley’s monitoring tag.
CCTV footage showing Pauley following the victim further tied him to the crimes.
Pauley, who had recently been released from prison for drug offences, pleaded guilty at Basildon Crown Court to two counts of rape, wounding with intent, and possession of a knife in a public place.
Judge Samantha Cohen handed Pauley an extended sentence at Basildon Crown Court today (8th January 2026).
He will serve 12 years in prison followed by seven years on licence.
In a statement read in court, the victim described how the assault continues to affect her daily life, including her work and relationships.
Her father added that it had been heartbreaking to see its impact on his daughter and expressed his hope that Pauley uses his prison time to improve himself.
Detective Inspector Lydia George praised the victim’s courage and said, “This was a sexually motivated attack by a dangerous offender. This sentence reflects the seriousness of his crimes.”