A RAPIST from Frenchay has been jailed for more than 19 years for a series of sex offences against four young women.
Kingsley Balkwill, of Cliff Court Drive, was found guilty of a total of 11 offences in two separate trials.
Today he was jailed for 19-and-a-half years at Bristol Crown Court and put on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely.
Avon & Somerset police said Balkwill, aged 27, committed the offences – four rapes, three attempted rapes and four other sexual assaults – over a five-year period.
Police said he manipulated women by “emotionally and physically threatening them to get what he wanted”.
‘Distorted and entitled’
The judge who sentenced Balkwill said he had a “wholly distorted and entitled view when it came to relationships that it gave you a complete right, whenever you wanted, to do whatever you wanted to do” and that he ignored his victims’ right to say no.
All four women had statements read out in court about the effect Balkwill’s offending had on them and their desire to make sure he couldn’t harm anyone else.
‘He couldn’t grasp that what he wanted wasn’t always the right thing’
One said: “I hope another girl does not have to go through the same experience.
“I also hope he has considered that the way he views women is wrong. He couldn’t grasp that what he wanted wasn’t always the right thing.
“There needs to be a consequence for treating someone like they don’t have the right to say no. I didn’t deserve it.
“I shouldn’t have to feel the lasting effects of what he has done to me, but I am going to for the rest of my life.”
Another said: “I am still finding new ways to cope with the distressing feelings linked to the sexual assault that still take their toll on a daily basis.
“I still recoil at any unwanted physical touch and feel extremely uncomfortable around unfamiliar men or any conversation around rape.”
Jury ‘could see through’ defendant
A third woman said Balkwill’s refusal to plead guilty to his offences had worsened the impact on them, telling him: “You chose to plead not guilty, knowing what you had done.”
She said she had felt ashamed, exposed and vulnerable giving evidence but felt validated by the jury, saying: “They believed me, not you; they could see through you; they knew the truth.”
The fourth woman said even the guilty verdict against Balkwill did not bring a sense of relief, leaving her with “an indescribable feeling of emptiness”.
But she said: “Despite everything that I have gone through, I have realised I am not a victim of rape, I am a survivor.”
‘Tremendous bravery’
Detective constables Charlotte Malin, Matthew Beavis, Lesley Ball and Donna Norman, who led the investigations into Balkwill, made a joint statement afterwards praising the “tremendous bravery shown by the victims in this case”.
They said: “It is their voices that have made today’s outcome possible and we commend them for their resilience, which has been crucial in making sure a dangerous man is held accountable for his crimes and is taken off our streets.
“Sexual violence is a crime that leaves lasting scars, that no one should ever have to endure.
“Through their courage, the victims in this case have not only sought justice for themselves but have also stood as an inspiration to countless others who may be suffering in silence.
“We want this conviction to serve as a clear reminder that consent is fundamental, and no one has the right to violate another person’s autonomy.”
Help on offer
Victims of rape or sexual assault can contact The Bridge at any time via the website www.thebridgecanhelp.org.uk or by calling 0117 342 6999.
People can also visit www.thisisnotanexcuse.org for details of charities and organisations who are experts in supporting victims.