A SOMERSET rapist has been jailed for "appalling and detestable" sexual offences.

Gary John Bridger, 66, was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court yesterday (Tuesday, November 14) 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 for the offences in Sherborne and will also be subject to an extended licence period of a further two years.

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

The incident was reported to police and Bridger was subsequently arrested at around 11.40pm on the same 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.”