Rapist now identifying as a woman sentenced to six years in men's prison

Lexi Secker appeared via video link from HMP Bristol

A rapist who now identifies as a woman has been sentenced to jail time in a men's prison, following her conviction. Lexi Secker, 35, appearing via video link from HMP Bristol, wept on being jailed for more than six years after being found guilty of one count of rape.

The court heard that Secker was living as a man when the attack took place after a night out in Blunsdon, Wiltshire, in April 2023. During sentencing, Judge Jason Taylor KC explained 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 offender 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. The jury did not believe Secker who, by pleading not guilty, forced the victim to relive her ordeal during the trial at Swindon Crown Court in June of this year.

The female victim, who attended court in person to see Secker sentenced, said she had experienced “unbearable anxiety, shame and fear” since the brutal sex attack.

The courtroom heard Secker, of Lowbourne, near Melksham, in Wiltshire, has both depression and gender dysphoria requiring psychological and medical treatment. It is was also alleged she has been subjected to a number of 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”. The defendant appeared via a video link from HMP Bristol and wept she was sentenced to six-and-a-half years in a male prison. She will remain on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely.

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.

It is understood that 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.

At the beginning of proceedings the court clerk asked whether the defendant was “Lexi Secker”, to which the reply was “yes”. Barristers and the judge referred to the defendant as “Ms Secker” and “she” throughout the sentencing hearing.

In a victim personal statement, the woman raped by Secker used 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.”