A former teaching assistant from Swindon has appeared before the court and been found guilty of rape.

Sam Powers, 28, pleaded guilty to 44 counts of sexual offences against children before Gloucester Crown Court on Friday, April 19.

The court heard how the former teaching assistant used his position to groom vulnerable children and raped a minor.

Detective Sergeant Zoe Purnell said: “Sam Powers used his position to access and groom vulnerable children and use them for his own sexual gratification. 

“His conviction today (April 19) comes after a long and complex police enquiry that commenced in 2022. 

“We would like to pay tribute to all of the victims who came forward and supported the investigation – it is thanks to their bravery that Powers has been stopped from offending again.”

Powers is due to be sentenced in June 2024.