Sex fiend Winson Benta locked up for five years after brutal attack in churchyard
Grotesque assault in Slough churchyard
Winson Benta, 59, a homeless man, has been jailed for five years after a terrifying attack on a woman in her thirties. The chilling assault happened between 7.30pm and 7.45pm on 30 January 2019 in St Mary’s churchyard on Church Street, Upton, Slough.
Benta knocked the victim unconscious before sexually assaulting her. His attack was only stopped when a passer-by interrupted the horrifying scene.
DNA evidence cracks case wide open
Following a five-day trial at Reading Crown Court, which ended on 28 August, Benta was convicted of sexual assault, actual bodily harm (ABH), and committing an offence of ABH with intent to commit a sexual offence. Slough cops arrested him on 6 March this year thanks to DNA evidence linking him to the crime. He was charged the very next day.
Judge’s verdict and police praise
Returning to Reading Crown Court on 13 November, Benta was sentenced to five years behind bars and placed on the sex offenders’ register for life.
Detective Constable Jessica Lawson said: “This was a targeting of a lone female at night in the churchyard where she was grabbed, dragged across the ground and sexually assaulted. The trial judge described the attack as prolonged, persistent and humiliating and noted Benta’s story was totally inconsistent.”
“I would like to praise the victim for her courage and patience throughout the investigation,” added DC Lawson. “Thames Valley Police will leave no stone unturned to bring violent offenders like Benta to justice. Victims will always be listened to, supported, and treated with dignity and respect.”
Letting Benta rot behind bars is a message to predators lurking in our communities – you will be caught and punished.
