Swindon teenager jailed for two counts of rape

A Swindon teenager who raped his 16-year-old girlfriend twice has been jailed for four years.

The 17-year-old, who was 16 at the time of the incidents, was unanimously found guilty by a jury at Swindon Crown Court on 21 September 2017 and was sentenced at the same court this week on Wednesday 18 October.

He was convicted on three charges: two of rape and one of witness intimidation.

He was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life, given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a restraining order for five years in relation to his ex-girlfriend.

The male, who can't be named as he is still a minor, raped the girl in February 2017 who had, just weeks before, given birth to their child.

Det Con Alan Mills said: "I welcome this result, in what was a particularly disturbing case.
"This male was violent, manipulative and controlling throughout the relationship with his then girlfriend.

"I want to thank this young girl for having the bravery to come forward and report the matter to us in what were very difficult circumstances for her.

"She also remained courageous during the whole court process, supporting the police and our prosecution throughout - despite this male trying to intimidate her.

“I would appeal to anyone who may be experiencing abuse at the hands of their partner to ask for help as soon as possible.

"As well as police, there are many other local and national support networks, such as Women’s Aid, available to both male and female victims of abuse.”

Please contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Victims can also seek support from the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) based at the New Swindon Sanctuary - they can be contacted on the 24-hour helpline 0808 168 0024.