Rapist jailed after filming unconscious victim

A rapist has been jailed after filming a "prolonged and violent" attack on an unconscious woman.

Simon Evans, 56, pleaded guilty to rape, sexual assault and 11 counts of assault by penetration following the attack at a property in Weymouth in June last year.

Dorset Police said it had secured a conviction despite the victim feeling unable to support the investigation.

At a hearing at Bournemouth Crown Court on Friday, Evans, from Weymouth, was jailed for 12 years and told he must spend a further three years on licence.

Police said the incident was reported the following day and Evans, who had also threatened to share the footage, was taken into custody.

Although the victim felt unable to support the investigation, detectives gathered other evidence through a forensic examination of the defendant's phone, address searches, DNA samples and analysing footage.

Police staff investigator Samantha Sheppard said: "Simon Evans subjected the victim to a prolonged and horrific sexual assault and documented the entire ordeal, all while she was unconscious.

"Detectives worked extremely hard to gather enough evidence to ensure Evans could be held accountable for his appalling and contemptible actions.

"Tackling violence against women and girls is a key force priority and we are committed to supporting victims and ensuring robust action is taken against perpetrators.

"There are many reasons a victim may choose not to support a criminal investigation, but I hope that the result of this case, secured without the victim being in a position to support the investigation, helps and inspires other victims of rape and sexual offences to find the strength to come forward and report matters to us."