Bravery of victim sees man brought to justice for rape and sexual assault
The bravery of a woman who was raped and sexually assaulted in her Bournemouth home has seen her attacker brought to justice.
Her courage in coming forward and support for the subsequent investigation by detectives saw 28-year-old Chret Courtney Callender convicted following a trial at Bournemouth Crown Court.
On the night of Friday 13 June 2025 the victim, aged in her 20s, had seen Callender – who was known to her – on a night out in the town. She had then got a taxi home while the defendant stayed in town.
Later on, during the early hours of Saturday 14 June 2025, Callender turned up at her address and she let him in, hoping he would not stay too long.
Callender started to make sexual advances towards her, but she made it clear she did not want anything to happen.
He subsequently sexually assaulted her and raped her, despite the victim making it clear she did not consent.
The victim reported the matter to police the same day and was supported through The Shores Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) and by an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) throughout the investigation and court process.
Following a detailed investigation by detectives from BCP CID, Callender – a Trinidadian and Tobagonian national who gave his self-defined ethnicity as black Caribbean including black British – was charged and appeared at court.
He denied the offences and the matter went to trial, where the victim’s evidence helped secure a conviction.
Callender returned to court on Thursday 22 January 2026 and was sentenced to seven years in prison.
Detective Constable Samantha James, of Dorset Police, said: “Chret Callender forced himself upon his victim despite her clear indications that she did not consent.
“Despite the horrific ordeal she faced at the hands of this defendant, she has shown the strength to come forward and report the matter as well as support the subsequent investigation, ensuring Callender faced justice for his offending and now finds himself behind bars.
“We are committed to doing all we can to tackle violence against women and girls and want to ensure victims have the confidence to come forward and report offences in the knowledge they will be fully supported and perpetrators such as Callender will face the consequences of their actions.”
If you have been a victim of rape or sexual assault, and you want to report directly to the police, please call 101 and ask to be put in contact with a specially trained police officer. Always dial 999 in an emergency. Alternatively, you can contact The Shores Sexual Assault Referral Centre on 0800 970 9954.
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