A MAN has been jailed for nine years after being found guilty of raping a woman he met at a party.

Luke Samuel Jackell, 25, of no fixed abode, met his victim, a 19-year-old Swindon woman at the party in August 2014.

The following morning, the victim reported the incident to police. Just a few days later, Jackell was arrested and later charged with two counts of rape.

Jackell appeared at Swindon Crown Court on Monday for the beginning of a four-day trial after pleading not guilty to the charge.

But yesterday, the jury came to a unanimous verdict of guilty within two hours.

The victim, who has not waived her right to anonymity, said: "I am really pleased with the jury's verdict and I am happy that he will no longer be on the streets.

"Although following through with the prosecution wasn't easy, I am glad that I did and that I went into the court room to give my evidence.

"The support I received from the witness service at Swindon Crown Court was great, as was the assistance and support I received from the police and medical staff at the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) at Gablecross Police Station."

DC Sonia Marsh, who led the investigation, said: "I am pleased with the outcome of this case. It is the result of the commitment from all of those involved, in particular, the witnesses whose evidence we rely upon.

"Without them, successful prosecutions would not be possible, and I thank everyone who assisted police in this enquiry.

"The victim showed courage in electing to give her evidence in the court room rather than via video link in another room, and her comment sends out a positive message that the court room should not be feared.

"What I want to get across to the public is that at the centre of every rape, is the issue of consent. If a person does not have capacity to give their consent then there is no consent and the offence of rape is made out.

"I hope that this positive result will reassure victims of sexual assault that they will be taken seriously by police and by the courts."

Anyone who has been the victim of a sexual assault can contact the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) in Swindon on 0808 1680024. This helpline is available 24 hours a day.