Man jailed for rape and serious sexual assaults in Sherborne
66-year-old Gary John Bridger's been sentenced for four counts
A man's been jailed for 12 years, for rape and sexual assault offences that took place in Sherborne.
66 year old Gary John Bridger from Wincanton has been sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court, after being found guilty at a previous hearing to two counts of rape and two counts of sexual assault.
Bridger's also been given an extended licence period of a further two years after his jail term.
The crimes happened in July 2022, when a female victim was attacked at a property in Sherborne.
The incident was immediately reported to Dorset Police and he was arrested the same evening.
Detective Superintendent Julie Howe, of Dorset Police, said:
“Firstly, I would like to praise the victim for the courage she has shown in coming forward to report these offences and for the support she has given throughout the investigation and the court proceedings.
“Bridger behaved in an appalling and detestable manner that showed a complete lack of empathy for the victim. We absolutely will not tolerate violent sexual offences of this nature.
“Dorset Police takes reports of sexual offences very seriously and we are committed to supporting victims, investigating offences and bringing such as Bridger to justice.”
If you have been a victim of rape or sexual assault, and you want to report directly to the police, please call 101 and ask to be put in contact with a specially-trained police officer.
You should always dial 999 in an emergency - or you can contact The Shores Sexual Assault Referral Centre on 0800 970 9954.