A nightclub doorman who used his job to become a serial date rapist has been jailed for 15 years.

Richard Boodan met scores of girls and young women through his job and boasted of his sexual escapades with them.

The 24-year-old, of Kingston Road, Taunton was also found guilty of two charges of indecent assault, one of attempted rape and one of actual bodily harm from January 2000 to January 2001.

The court was told the security guard and nightclub worker coaxed women back to his house by smooth talking and plying them with alcohol.

Young women must be protected and conduct like this will be dealt with seriously

Judge Graham Hume Jones

Four of his victims claimed he spiked their drinks so they felt "drugged".

The court heard how Boodan's behaviour changed and he became domineering once he took his victims home.

One victim said she believed Boodan had spiked her drink with ecstasy.

She remembered going back to his flat, being grabbed by the shoulder, slapped across the face, held by her wrists and then raped.

'Cynical attitude'

She was found later by a friend, in tears by the roadside.

Boodan had denied all 15 charges, claiming sex was consensual.

Sentencing Boodan, Judge Graham Hume Jones said: "You and all the doormen were in close contact with women and girls out to enjoy themselves.

"As a young man in this environment you were driven by your sexual desire and developed a cynical attitude and saw women as objects.

"Young women must be protected and conduct like this will be dealt with seriously," he said.

Womens' bravery

Boodan was also ordered to sign the Sex Offenders' Register on release from jail.

The jury returned not guilty verdicts on four counts of rape and one of indecent assault and failed to reach a verdict on one rape charge.

Two of Boodan's victims went to the police, six were approached by the police and three were traced.

Outside court, Detective Constable Mark Fudge praised the victims for their courage in reporting the attacks to the police.

"We would like to thank the women who have come forward bravely and given evidence," he said.