A MAN from Bude has been jailed for nine years for raping a woman and then attending her home and slashing her car tyres in an effort to intimidate her.

Luke Clements, 52, formerly of Upton, Bude, appeared at Truro Crown Court for sentence on Thursday, October 2, having been convicted by a jury of rape, sexual assault, sexual assault by penetration, witness intimidation, possession of a bladed article and assault by beating.

He had previously pleaded guilty to criminal damage and being concerned in the supply of cocaine.

As well as a nine-year prison sentence, he was given a life term restraining order to protect the victim and her family and placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.

During the trial the court heard how in March 2025, the victim reported how she attended Clements’ home address for a pre-arranged coffee.

While at the property she felt the atmosphere change which progressed to Clements touching her without consent.

The victim stated that she attempted to leave, but Clements forced her upstairs and raped her. She immediately left the address and contacted the police.

Officers attended Clements’ address the same evening and arrested him, with Clements claiming the sexual contact was consensual.

He was released the following afternoon with bail conditions not to contact the victim directly or indirectly.

The next day the victim went outside and found her car tyres had been slashed with a knife, despite never having had any issues with her neighbours or anyone else.

An emergency alarm was then fitted at the victim’s address. A very short time later the victim’s son noticed the dogs barking.

When he went downstairs, he found Clements inside the house. The son immediately pressed the newly fitted alarm, dispatching officers.

Clements was wearing a black mask and a hood up and assaulted the victim’s son as he tried to flee while producing a Stanley knife from his pocket.

The son managed to detain Clements until officers arrived. Clements was taken into custody, charged and remanded.

Following a download of Clements’ phone, evidence was found linking him to the supply of cocaine between 2022 and 2024.

Clements also made comments about filling the victim’s door locks with silicone/adhesive and was found in possession of a silicone gun on arrest.

Detective constable Tom Graham, officer in the case, said: “This conviction sends a clear message that such horrific crimes will not go unpunished.

“I want to pay tribute to the incredible bravery of the victim in coming forward and supporting this investigation. It takes immense courage to speak out and her strength was vital in securing today’s outcome.

“We know how difficult it can be for survivors of sexual offences to report what has happened to them. I want to reassure anyone who has experienced anything similar that we will listen, we will believe you and we will do everything in our power to seek justice.

“Our priority is always the safety, dignity and wellbeing of the victims and we remain committed to working tirelessly to bring perpetrators of such horrific crimes like Clements before the courts.”