A MAN from Basingstoke has been jailed for more than seven years after being found guilty of raping a woman.

Samuel Tweddle, 23, of Kings Road, Basingstoke, received a sentence of seven years and six months in prison on Thursday, December 17 at Winchester Crown Court.

A jury returned unanimous guilty verdicts on the five counts that Tweddle had denied, which included a single count of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one of witness intimidation.

The offence took place in the early hours of Sunday, July 5 this year in a car on the Houndmills industrial estate in Basingstoke.

The victim reported the offence that day and was supported by specialised officers.

DNA evidence was taken and used to convict Tweddle.

Speaking after the sentence, Detective Constable Craig Ferguson, of Basingstoke CID, said: “This was a vicious and predatory attack.

“Sexual offences are treated very seriously by Hampshire Constabulary and we will investigate, charge and convict criminals responsible for such offending.

“The victim has shown great courage throughout this process and I hope that she can now move on from this terrible ordeal.”