THE family of a convicted Hampshire rapist has vowed to spend “every penny” it has to help clear his name.

Peter Watch, 26, was sentenced to 12 years in prison at Winchester Crown Court having been found guilty of rape, sexual assault, two counts of assault and putting a person in fear of violence.

Watch, of Amesbury Road, stood accused of assaulting women who he met on dating websites, and taking part in obscene sexual acts.

He denied all the charges against him, but a judge gave him 12 years and an extended sentence of four – meaning he will spend four years on licence - and ruled he must serve at least eight years before parole can be considered.

After the hearing Watch’s father, William, said: “I will spend every penny I have to help him.

“It’s all down to that Jimmy Savile, courts are now too quick to listen to these accusations and innocent people like my son are suffering.

“He’s no angel, but this isn’t fair on my boy.”

Mr Watch said the case had taken its toll on the family.

He said: “The stress on me and my wife has been huge.

“I’m so run down, I’ve not been able to work, and what people do not realise is we’ve got the sentence as well as Peter.”

Detective Constable Paul Barry, who led the case, said: “This conviction follows a protracted inquiry involving Peter Watch who has met three women over dating websites and committed serious sexual assault offences against them, which include rape.

“Hampshire Police will proactively investigate all reports of sexual and physical abuse which are initiated by offenders over the internet.”