A MAN has been jailed for rape and assault offences following two violent incidents in West Dorset – including strangling his victim.

Jack Anthony Rowland, of Dorchester, was sentenced to 11 years in prison at Bournemouth Crown Court today (November 27) after previously being convicted of 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 10 years.

The first incident occurred on Friday, November 11 last year, at 24-year-old Rowlands’s home address, in Dorchester.

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

Then, between Friday, February 17 and Saturday, February 18 this year, a second incident occured 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 February 18 and Rowland was arrested the following day.

After he was jailed, 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.