A 66-YEAR-OLD Wincanton man has been jailed for rape and other sexual offences.

Gary John Bridger appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court on Tuesday (November 14) to be sentenced after being found guilty at an earlier trial of two counts of rape and two counts of sexual assault.

He was sentenced to 12 years in prison and will also be subject to an extended licence period of a further two years.

The incident occurred on July 7 last year, when the female victim was raped and sexually assaulted by Bridger at a property in Sherborne.

The incident was reported to police and Bridger was arrested at around 11.40pm that day.

Detective Superintendent Julie Howe, of Dorset Police, said: “Firstly, I would like to praise the victim for the courage she has shown in coming forward to report these offences and for the support she has given throughout the investigation and the court proceedings.

“Bridger behaved in an appalling and detestable manner that showed a complete lack of empathy for the victim. We absolutely will not tolerate violent sexual offences of this nature.

“Dorset Police takes reports of sexual offences very seriously and we are committed to supporting victims, investigating offences and bringing such as Bridger to justice.”

If you have been a victim of rape or sexual assault, and you want to report it directly to the police, call 101 and ask to be put in contact with a specially-trained police officer.

People can also contact The Shores Sexual Assault Referral Centre on 0800 970 9954.