A transgender woman who was found guilty of rape near Swindon when she was living as a man will now spend six years in prison.

Lexi Secker, of Lowbourne near Melksham, was first convicted of one count of rape after a four-day trial in Swindon Crown Court in June 2024.

The court heard how the 35-year-old had been living as a man named Alexander when the attack took place in the woods after a night out in Blunsdon on April 21, 2021.

Judge Jason Taylor KC said the victim had been on a night out with Secker and was "significantly affected by alcohol".

“I am sure you hatched a plan to be alone with her," he said.

"You suggested you take her for a walk under the pretence of sobering up. You took her to a secluded spot in the woods.”

On Friday, September 27, Secker appeared via video link from HMP Bristol and was sentenced by Judge Taylor KC to six and a half years in a male prison.

Lexi Secker was sentenced to jail at Swindon Crown CourtLexi Secker was sentenced to jail at Swindon Crown Court (Image: Newsquest) Judge Taylor KC described how the defendant was “focused on your sexual gratification”, despite Secker's claims that the incident was "consensual intercourse".

The female victim, who attended court in person to see the sentencing, said she had experienced “unbearable anxiety” since the attack.

Describing the defendant by their former name Alex, the victim added: “He took away my trust in people and myself. The assault consumed me with shame and fear.”

The court also heard how Secker has struggled with depression and gender dysphoria, requiring psychological and medical treatment.

While being held at a male prison, she claims she was subjected to numerous assaults.

Judge Taylor KC 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 understand the nature and consequences of your actions.

Secker's mugshot has been released by Wiltshire PoliceSecker's mugshot has been released by Wiltshire Police (Image: Wiltshire Police) “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 added that he was sentencing Secker “with regard to how difficult a prison sentence in a male institution will be for you”.

The defendant was seen weeping as the sentence was delivered.