A 41-YEAR-old man from Nunney near Frome in Somerset has been sentenced to eight years in prison after he raped a woman in her own home in Warminster.

Shaun Bundy of Pookfield Close visited a woman in her 30s to collect tools from her home on May 26, 2023.

He loaded the tools into his van before asking for a drink of water.

Bundy then raped the victim before leaving and ordered her not to tell anyone.

The woman then reported the rape to police and Bundy was arrested the same day.

He denied the rape, claiming he had visited the address but that no sexual activity took place.

But Bundy’s DNA was then found following a forensic examination and he was re-interviewed but continued to deny any sexual contact had taken place.

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He was subsequently charged with rape and pleaded not guilty, forcing the victim to relive the experience through the court process.

Bundy was found guilty in a re-trial following a hung jury in the first trial.

He appeared at Winchester Crown Court yesterday (September 4) where he was sentenced to eight years imprisonment plus an extended five years on licence.

He is also required to sign on to the Sex Offender’s Register indefinitely.

DS Toni Nugent of South CID said: “Firstly I want to pay tribute to the victim for the incredible bravery she has shown throughout the process.

“Not only did she come forward to make the report but Bundy then forced her to go through a trial twice despite the forensic evidence.

“The victim also had the support of an independent sexual violence adviser (ISVA) – these are specially trained advisers who provide specialist support to victims who have experienced rape and sexual assault.

“An ISVA provides impartial information to the victim/survivor about their options throughout the process.

“I am pleased that after a court process lasting for more than two years for the victim, Bundy has now been jailed for his crime and will also be on the Sex Offender’s Register for life.”

Information about support available to survivors of sexual abuse can be found on the Wiltshire Police website.

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