A Dorchester man has been jailed for rape and assault offences following two violent incidents.

Jack Anthony Rowland, 24, was sentenced to 11 years in prison at Bournemouth Crown Court yesterday (Monday, 27 November) after previously being convicted for non-fatal strangulation, criminal damage, assault and two counts of rape.

He was also made the subject of a restraining order for a period of ten years.

The first incident occurred on Friday, 11 November 2022 at the defendant's home address in Dorchester.

The victim – a young woman – was strangled and raped by Rowland, despite telling him to get off of her.

The second incident took place between Friday 17 February and Saturday 18 February 2023 involving the same victim. 

The victim and defendant drove from Dorchester to Weymouth, where Rowland became agitated and began kicking the windscreen of the victim's car.

As they drove back to Dorchester, Rowland asked the victim to pull over into a layby where he raped her.

The incident was reported to police at around 5.40am on Saturday, 18 February 2023 and Rowland was subsequently arrested the following day.

Investigations Officer Florence Winstanley, of Dorset County CID, said: "Firstly, I would like to praise the bravery of the victim who has shown considerable courage throughout the investigation and court process.

"Rowland used violence in both of the incidents and this kind of abhorrent offending will not be tolerated. 

"We take reports of sexual offences very seriously and are committed to supporting victims, investigating offences and bringing offenders such as Rowland to justice."

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

Always dial 999 in an emergency. Alternatively, you can contact The Shores Sexual Assault Referral Centre on 0800 970 9954.