A MAN who raped a teenage girl and a young woman has been jailed for more than 20 years, with his crimes called “horrific and callous attacks” by police.

Marlon Nelson, 34, raped a 17-year-old girl from Calmore after giving her a lift back from a night out.

Southampton Crown Court heard that the incident took place in the back of his car at Testwood Recreational Ground on November 11, 2014.

He was also found guilty of raping and sexually assaulting a 20-year-old woman from Romsey at Ampfield Recreational Ground in late November 2017.

Daily Echo:

During a seven-day trial, a jury found him guilty of two counts of rape, one count of sexual assault and one count of digital penetration.

Today, Nelson, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to 21 years in prison for his crimes. He was also ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life.

Following the verdict, DC Lisa Robins and PSI Kerrie Green said: “These incidents were horrendous assaults on two young women who had put their trust in Nelson, and we want to commend the bravery of both women who have had to endure a lengthy investigation and trial process.

“He took advantage of both of these women, when they were in particularly vulnerable situations, and raped them.

“Rape is one of the most serious crimes that a person can survive and we are pleased that the jury deemed him guilty of these horrific and callous attacks and that he is now being rightly punished for his terrible crimes after the judge handed down his sentenced today.”

They added: “Our hope is that both women can now gain some closure from today’s news that Nelson will be in jail for the foreseeable and can no longer hurt them; they can now begin to move on with their lives.

“Rape investigations are some of the most complex cases we work on, and each case requires careful review and collaboration between the police and the Crime Prosecution Service.

“We want to show you that no matter the circumstances, Hampshire Constabulary is committed to supporting survivors of rape and sexual assault and we will do everything we can to identify offenders and put them in front of a court.”

What to do if you’ve been a victim

If you’ve been a victim, report rape or sexual assault to police as soon as possible.

Even if you’re not 100 per cent sure, police say they'd "sooner hear from you so that we can make sure you’re safe". If you’re not ready to talk to the police just yet, that’s OK. There are a range of places to get support, advice and medical help.

You can speak to a number of organisations in confidence and what you tell them won't be shared with the police unless you ask for it to be.

For more information, click here.