Man jailed after raping sleeping woman in Milton Keynes

A man has been jailed after he was convicted of raping a sleeping woman in Newport Pagnell last year.

Sean Wilcox, 35, of no fixed abode, was sentenced at Aylesbury Crown Court on 2 July to a total of 18 years’ imprisonment for offences committed in both the Thames Valley and Bedfordshire force areas.

Wilcox was found guilty by a unanimous jury verdict on 16 January following a four-day trial at Aylesbury Crown Court.

He was convicted of rape in relation to a Thames Valley Police investigation and also pleaded guilty to six counts of theft from a motor vehicle, three counts of fraud by false representation, three counts of vehicle interference, two counts of burglary with intent to steal and one count each of theft from a person, possession of class A drugs, namely cocaine and possession of class B drugs, namely cannabis.

The conviction relates to an incident that occurred at around 4:30am on 26 July last year in Dulwich Close, Newport Pagnell.

After attempting to gain entry to vehicles in the area to steal items, Wilcox began trying the doors of nearby properties. He entered a house through an unlocked door and found the victim, a 29-year-old woman, asleep on a sofa. He then raped the victim before fleeing the property.

Following a Thames Valley Police investigation, Wilcox was arrested on 1 August 2025 and charged the following day.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Jessica Cooper, of Milton Keynes CID, said, “The bravery and courage shown by the victim throughout this investigation has been admirable.

“No sentence will ever change the impact that this man has had on her life. However, we hope that this sentence provides her with some measure of justice.

“This was a deeply traumatic offence committed against a woman who was asleep in a place where she had every right to feel safe.

“I would like to commend the victim for the strength she has shown in supporting this prosecution and helping to ensure that Wilcox was held accountable for his actions.

“We remain committed to investigating all reports of rape and serious sexual offences thoroughly, supporting victims and bringing offenders before the courts.”