‘Victim feels free to carry on life’
The victim of the Gravesend multi-storey assault had wept in court during the sentencing and told in a statement how she had been deeply affected by the ordeal.
Judge Julian Smith acknowledged there was degradation and humiliation as she was tied up and subjected to the serious sexual offence.
She told the court of the moment, as a 21-year-old, she was forced back into her car by a masked Clayton, adding: “I guessed I was going to be raped and just looked away.”
Moments later she was subjected to the attack.
DS Andrea Richards, from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate Cold Case Investigation Team, said the woman now felt free to carry on with her life knowing Clayson is behind bars.
She added: “This has saddened her for many years and restricted her from going about her usual business, but now she feels free.
“Our victims in this case all came to court, they were very brave and courageous. John Clayson has walked around for 26 years showing no remorse or admitting his crimes. Justice has been served.”