A man has been jailed after he was found guilty of raping two women, with one of the attacks taking place in Swindon.

Luke Thompson, of Ashley Road in Bristol, was sentenced to 16 years in prison after a jury found him guilty at a trial at Bristol Crown Court in May.

The 32-year-old was initially arrested after he raped a woman in her 20s at a Swindon property, on May 9, 2021.

During a Wiltshire Police investigation, it was discovered the case was linked to a previous allegation of rape against Thompson in Bristol, on September 1, 2019.

In the early hours of the morning Thompson had befriended the victim, who had been on a night out with friends, before attacking, sexually assaulting, and raping her in his car.

The two cases were connected shortly after the victim reported the incident in May 2021.

This sparked a joint investigation between Wiltshire and Avon and Somerset Police, which led to Thompson being charged with two counts of rape and three counts of sexual assault.

He was slapped with a jail term of eight years for each incident and will spend another three years on license.

Thompson will also be placed on the sex offender’s register.

The investigating officer for Wiltshire Police, DS Philip Nash, said: “This is a lengthy sentence that treats Thompson’s crimes with the severity they deserve, and I’m pleased he will now face an extended period behind bars.

“I’d like to commend the victims for their bravery in coming forward – we appreciate how difficult it is for victims of sexual offences to speak out about what’s happened to them.

“This conviction demonstrates that Wiltshire Police will always take these kinds of offences incredibly seriously and we hope that it encourages others who have experienced sexual assault to speak out so offenders face justice for their crimes.”

DC Bethan Doyle, investigating officer for Avon and Somerset Police, also praised the bravery of the victims.

She added: “I cannot commend the victims enough for having the bravery to come forward and for supporting this prosecution through a lengthy process.

"The sentence is welcomed by the victim of our case and reflects the seriousness of what happened to her.”

Police have urged victims of sexual offences to report crimes via 101 or 999 in an emergency.

More information can be found on the Wiltshire Police website while support and counselling can be sought from the Swindon and Wiltshire Sexual Assault Referral Centre on 01793781916.