The Rough Sex Defense for Murder: Grace Millane’s Tinder Date From Hell

In December 2018, the world was shocked by the tragic case of Grace Millane, a young British backpacker whose life was brutally cut short in New Zealand. The case brought to light the dangers of online dating and the controversial "rough sex defense" used in legal battles. Grace's story is a somber reminder of the risks women face and the need for justice in cases of violence against women.

The Beginning of Grace’s Journey

Grace Millane was a 21-year-old woman from Essex, England, born on December 2, 1996. She was a vibrant and creative individual, known for her talent in art, which she shared on her Instagram account, "Art by Millane." Grace had recently graduated from the University of Lincoln with a degree in advertising and marketing and was eager to explore the world.

In October 2018, Grace embarked on a solo backpacking adventure, starting in South America. She visited places like Peru, exploring the ancient city of Machu Picchu and making new friends along the way. Despite being far from home, Grace maintained regular contact with her family, updating them daily about her experiences.

Arrival in New Zealand

On November 20, 2018, Grace arrived in Auckland, New Zealand. She planned to explore the North Island and experience the country's beauty. Grace checked into Base Backpackers Hostel in Auckland on November 30 and decided to use dating apps like Tinder to meet new people and make the most of her time in the city.

The Fatal Tinder Date

On November 30, Grace matched with Jesse Kempson on Tinder. They arranged to meet the following night, December 1, which was the eve of Grace's 22nd birthday. They met at SkyCity, an entertainment complex in Auckland, and spent the evening visiting various bars and restaurants. CCTV footage showed them enjoying each other's company, with Grace looking happy and relaxed.

Disappearance and Investigation

Grace's family became worried when they didn't hear from her on her birthday. This was unusual, as Grace had always kept in touch. By December 3, their concern grew, and they reported her missing on December 4. The New Zealand police immediately prioritized the case due to the circumstances.

CCTV footage from Base Backpackers Hostel showed Grace leaving on the evening of December 1 but never returning. This footage, along with a comment from Jesse Kempson on Grace's Facebook profile, led police to suspect him. They contacted Kempson, who initially cooperated and claimed they had parted ways after their date.

Unraveling Jesse Kempson’s Lies

During the investigation, Kempson's story began to fall apart. He claimed that after their date, he went to a sports bar alone and then returned to his hotel room, where he slept until 9-10 a.m. the next morning. However, CCTV footage showed Kempson leaving his apartment at 8:14 a.m. on December 2, returning later with a suitcase.

Confronted with this evidence, Kempson changed his story, admitting that Grace had returned to his apartment and that something had gone wrong during sex. He claimed that Grace had asked for rough sex, referencing "Fifty Shades of Grey," and that she had consented to being choked. He insisted her death was accidental.

The Grisly Truth

Kempson's account was scrutinized, and further investigation revealed more disturbing details. Chemical testing with luminol in his hotel room uncovered bloodstains, suggesting a violent struggle had taken place. The blood was identified as female, likely belonging to Grace.

Kempson was arrested on December 8 on suspicion of Grace's murder. Under pressure, he led police to the Waitakere Ranges, a remote area where he had buried Grace's body in a suitcase. The autopsy revealed that Grace had died from prolonged pressure to the neck, indicating she had been strangled for at least five to ten minutes.

The Trial and the Rough Sex Defense

Kempson was charged with murder and pleaded not guilty, claiming the "rough sex defense." This controversial defense argues that a victim consented to violent sexual activity that led to their death. Grace's autopsy and the evidence of bruises on her body contradicted Kempson's claim, showing that her death was not accidental.

Throughout the trial, Kempson displayed manipulative and sociopathic tendencies. He had a history of deceit and violence towards women, including previous instances of assault and rape. His behavior during and after Grace's death, including searching for violent pornography and arranging another Tinder date while Grace's body lay in his hotel room, painted a chilling picture of a dangerous individual.

Sentencing and Aftermath

Despite Kempson's claims, the evidence against him was overwhelming. The court found him guilty of murder, and he was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum non-parole period of 17 years. The judge condemned Kempson's actions, highlighting his manipulative and deceitful nature throughout the investigation and trial.

Kempson's sentencing brought some measure of justice to Grace's family, but it also sparked wider discussions about the use of the rough sex defense in legal cases. The case highlighted the need for legal reforms to prevent perpetrators from using this defense to escape accountability for their actions.

Conclusion

The case of Grace Millane highlighted the dangers of online dating and the need for stricter legal measures against the rough sex defense. In 2020, England and Wales ruled that rough sex could not be considered a defense to violent crimes, a significant step towards justice for victims like Grace.

Grace Millane's tragic story is a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and awareness in personal safety, especially for women traveling alone. Her memory serves as a call to action to protect vulnerable individuals and ensure that those who commit such heinous acts are held accountable.