MANOJ Chinthathira has been jailed for 12 years after admitting the rape of a woman in a Taunton park – with CCTV cameras picking up the moment the victim bedded, “please don’t”.

The 29-year-old, of Wilfred Road, Taunton, was handed the sentence after pleading guilty to the attack, in Victoria Park, at between 11pm on October 10 last year and 5am the following day.

He was arrested the following day (October 12) following a police appeal.

On November 28, Chinthathira entered guilty pleas to two counts of rape and was remanded into custody. Today (January 8), he was sentenced at Taunton Crown Court, sitting at Worle, to a 12-year jail term for each offence, to run concurrently, after allowing a reduction for his guilty plea.

His Honour Judge Stephen Climie said Chinthathira would be deported after serving 50 per cent of his sentence. Chinthathira expressed his remorse and shame, and hung his head.

The court heard he had approached the woman – a stranger to him – in the street after noticing that she seemed upset.

Police enquiries established that he bought beer from a nearby shop and plied the woman, in her 30s, with alcohol, at first chatting with her in a friendly way.

Nearby security cameras captured the chilling moment he told the woman he was going to rape her, and the terrified woman repeatedly begging “please don’t”.

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Officer in the case, DC Amanda Johnson, said: “This is a disturbing case in which a man has targeted a vulnerable woman. Manoj Chinthathira saw a woman who was in distress.

“He bought alcohol and took her to a secluded bench in the park.

“While he at first seemed to be friendly, it seems clear his behaviour was planned and predatory. During the sustained assault she was in fear for her life.

“When confronted with his crime, he initially denied it, but the evidence was so compelling he was forced to enter a guilty plea in court.

“I would like to recognise the woman for resolutely supporting an investigation which has taken someone who poses a clear risk to women and girls off our streets.

“I must also thank the members of the public who helped the victim, and those who came forward with information after our initial appeal.”

Christine Hart, Senior Crown Advocate from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), said: “The OIC and her team conducted a thorough and sensitive investigation which included obtaining audio from nearby CCTV cameras that captured the harrowing soundtrack of this incident. I echo the comments made in relation to the courage and resilience shown by the victim.

“The CPS are committed to working with the police to both support victims and to bring offenders committing acts of violence towards women and girls to justice.”

* Help is available for victims of rape or sexual assault, recent or non-recent. People can self-refer to The Bridge, a Sexual Assault Referral Centre available 24/7 365 days a year, on 0117 342 6999.
There are also details of charities and organisations with expertise in supporting victims at www.thisisnotanexcuse.org.

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