A trans rapist sentenced to more than six years in a male prison was referred to as “she” throughout the trial by a judge and barristers.
Lexi Secker, 35, was convicted of rape after a four-day trial at Swindon Crown Court in June.
The court heard Secker was living as a man when the attack took place after a night out in Blunsdon, Wiltshire, in April 2023.
Throughout the sentencing hearing, barristers and the judge referred to the defendant as “Ms Secker” and “she”.
But in a victim personal statement, the woman raped by Secker used male pronouns and the name “Alex” to describe the defendant.
She said: “He took away my trust in people and myself. The assault consumed me with shame and fear.”
The woman, who attended court in person to see Secker sentenced, said she had experienced “unbearable anxiety, shame and fear” since the attack.
Tried as a woman
Wiltshire Police previously said Secker was living as a man when the attack took place on April 23 2023 but was tried as a woman at Swindon Crown Court.
The force confirmed that the rape was recorded as being committed by a man.
Usually the sex of a defendant recorded by the police is used throughout the stages of the criminal justice system.
This means the sex first recorded by police will mirror what is on court records and in criminal justice data relating to charges, offences and convictions.
On Friday, the name Alexander Secker was on Swindon Crown Court’s list for the case.
But at the beginning of proceedings the court clerk asked whether the defendant was “Lexi Secker”, to which the reply was “yes”.
Sentencing Secker to six and a half years, Judge Jason Taylor KC described how the victim had been on a night out with the defendant and was “significantly affected by alcohol”.
The judge said: “I am sure you hatched a plan to be alone with her. You suggested you take her for a walk under the pretence of sobering up. You took her to a secluded spot in the woods.”
He described how the defendant was “focused on your own sexual gratification” when the attack took place.
During the trial, Secker claimed the incident was “consensual intercourse” initiated by the victim, the judge said.
Gender dysphoria
The court heard Secker, of Lowbourne, near Melksham, Wiltshire, had depression and gender dysphoria and requires psychological and medical treatment.
It was also alleged Secker has been subjected to numerous assaults while being held at a male prison.
Judge Taylor told Secker: “You now identify as a woman and are attracted to men.
“At the time of this offence, you were a man. You identified as a man and you were, on the evidence, clearly attracted to women.
“You were able to exercise judgment, make rational choices and understood the nature and consequences of your actions.
“You were not disinhibited at the time by your conditions. There is no evidence they were as present and compelling as they are now.”
The judge said he was sentencing Secker “with regard to how difficult a prison sentence in a male institution will be for you”.
Secker, who appeared via video link from HMP Bristol, wept as the sentence was passed. Secker will remain on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely.
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