A 32-year-old man has been sentenced to eight years in prison after being convicted of raping a teenager on three separate occasions. Sam Jones, formerly residing on Preston Road in Yeovil, was found unanimously guilty at Bristol Crown Court following a trial held in September. The offences occurred when Jones took the victim, who was over 16 at the time, on an overnight stay to a hotel where the attacks took place.
Jones, who currently lives in Church Hill, Piddlehinton, Dorset, has also been issued an indefinite restraining order preventing him from contacting the victim.
Throughout the investigation, police maintained close contact with the victim, ensuring she had access to vital support services and safeguarding measures.
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In a powerful impact statement, the victim shared the profound effects of Jones’s crimes on her life: “Sam has stripped me of the ability to have private relationships. I now find it difficult to trust anyone, and this feeling never leaves me.”
She described her life as being “on hold” ever since that night, emphasizing her determination to reclaim her life: “I haven’t moved forward just for myself but to protect other women, especially those who may have encountered Sam. Talking about my trauma is hard and will always impact me, but I am resolute in moving forward.”
Detective Constable Ella Griffiths praised the victim’s bravery, saying, “We thank the victim for her incredible courage in coming forward. Without her support and testimony, justice like this would not be possible. Jones’ actions have deeply affected the victim, and violence against women and girls is absolutely intolerable. All victims of sexual offences will be heard, believed, and supported.”