Horror as woman brutally dragged across floor by her hair and raped | UK | News

A brutal bandit who raped a woman and dragged her to the ground by her hair has been sentenced to 12 years in prison. Martin Bugden, 32, launched the violent attack at his home in Ashford on January 21, 2021. The victim repeatedly told him “no” but he overpowered her and raped her.

He then pulled her to the ground by her hair and warned her that he would kill her if she called the police. A neighbor heard the noise and called 999 at 11.45pm.

Officers arrived within 10 minutes and found both the victim and Bugden inside the property.

He was detained at the scene. He denied the allegations of rape and sexual assault in the interview.

Bugden, who was released on bail on a strict no-contact condition, began harassing the victim with persistent messages and phone calls less than two weeks later. On February 19, he was arrested again on harassment charges.

Bugden, formerly of Waghorn Street, Chatham, was later charged with nine sexual offenses, including two rapes.

He was sentenced to 12 years in prison at Canterbury Crown Court on Thursday, July 23, 2026.

Detective Constable Josh Cooper said: “This was a brutal attack that robbed the victim of his sense of security and left him with lasting mental anguish.

“I would like to commend him for his commitment throughout this investigation process.

“I am pleased that my team was able to secure such a significant sentence that reflects the seriousness of his crime. He will be kept behind bars for a period of time during which he can no longer pose a threat to women in our community.”