Ipswich man jailed for rape

A 50-year-old man from Ipswich has been jailed for 12 years after being convicted of rape.

Keith McKenzie, of Bond Street, was found guilty of two counts of rape by a jury on 23 February 2026 following a five-day trial.

The court heard that McKenzie and the victim, a woman aged in her 20s, were neighbours at a block of flats at the time of the attack but were not otherwise known to each other.

In the early hours of the morning, the victim was awoken to knocking at her front door and called another neighbour, with whom she was friends, to assist.

The victim answered the door and McKenzie asked for a cigarette which her friend gave him, before going back to their own flat.

McKenzie then entered the premises, despite the victim’s objections, and raped her.

He later left the premises and threatened the victim against telling anyone.

He was arrested that same morning.

McKenzie appeared at Ipswich Crown Court on Thursday 28 May where he was sentenced to 12 years in prison. The sentence will run consecutively to a sentence imposed last year for wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

He was also made subject of an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and has been placed on the Sex Offenders Register.

In a Victim Personal Statement, read aloud in court, the victim detailed how the assault has impacted her life. She said: “Emotionally, I feel violated, ashamed, and overwhelmed… I have struggled with guilt, even though deep down I know none of this is my fault... I wake up each day carrying the weight of something I never asked for and never deserved.”

DC Victoria McNamara, from the Safeguarding and Investigations Unit, who was the officer in charge of the case, said: “This was a profoundly distressing incident for the victim, who has shown immense courage in coming forward and supporting the investigation.

“What should have been the safest place for her and her child was violated and the impact of that cannot be overstated. Since the incident, the victim has lived in constant fear, struggling with anxiety, sleep disturbance, and a loss of trust. She has spoken about the lasting effect this has had not only on her own wellbeing but also on her ability to feel secure and confident as a parent. No one should have to live with that burden.

“Victims of this nature of offence often carry the effects long after the incident itself. Trauma does not simply end when an investigation begins.

“Our priority has been to treat this victim with dignity, compassion and professionalism, while conducting a thorough and robust investigation and I hope by knowing that McKenzie is behind bars, she is able to move forward with her life.

“Offences of this kind will be taken extremely seriously. If you come forward, you will be listened to and supported.”

If you or someone you know has been a victim of rape or sexual assault, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police.

Suffolk Survivor Pathway is a single access point for multi-agency support for victims of sexual violence. It includes six specialist services that work together to co-ordinate care and support.  https://suffolksurvivorpathway.co.uk/

For more information and to find the support services available to you, please visit the Suffolk Constabulary website: Report rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences | Suffolk Constabulary

Always call 999 in an emergency.