A man has been jailed after raping a woman in Southampton.
Thomas Antony Drew of Golden Grove in St Mary's forced himself onto his victim and raped her during the incident earlier this year.
The 26-year-old was jailed for three years and four months at Southampton Crown Court yesterday (August 5).
An investigation was launched by Southampton's Amberstone police unit with Drew being arrested and charged.
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At a hearing in July, he pleaded guilty to rape and sexual assault by penetration.
Drew was also given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for seven years and a restraining order meaning he cannot contact his victim for 15 years.
In a statement read in court the victim said what happened to her had impacted both her mental and physical health.
Detective Constable Georgina Harris, who led the investigation, said: “Drew’s actions have understandably had a significant and traumatic effect on the woman he raped and assaulted.
"While I know that no court outcome can change what she has had to endure, I do sincerely hope that Drew’s imprisonment goes some way in helping her closure and recovery.
“I would like to add that I am incredibly grateful to the victim for reporting what happened to her so swiftly, which meant we were able to arrest Drew quickly and bring him before the courts to face the consequences of his crimes.
"Without her courage, we would not have secured this outcome.
“We take every report of rape and sexual assault made to us extremely seriously. We will investigate each one, no matter what the circumstances, and have specially trained teams to investigate and provide support to victims.
“We urge anyone who feels they have been a victim of rape, other sexual offences and domestic abuse to please report it to us or to a support service. You will be listened to and you will be supported.”
For more information on the support available, and how to report to police visit https://www.hampshire.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/advice/rape-sexual-assault-and-other-sexual-offences/rape-sexual-assault-support/
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