A young woman who was raped says her life is now 'unrecognisable' and has 'spiralled out of control'.

Richard James Lane, 50, of Weymouth, was found guilty of rape following a four-day trial in September.

He was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court today to seven-and-a-half years in prison.

Prosecutor Charlie Gabb said the incident had had a “severe psychological impact” on the victim who has made numerous attempts to commit suicide in the past year.

In her victim impact statement, read to the court, she said: "My life fell apart when he raped me. My life has spiralled out of control and is now unrecognisable.

“I’ve changed from a strong independent woman to someone who needs to live in a unit that supports adults.
“I would never have believed 18 months ago that I would need a support worker.

“I am trying to piece my life back together but my life has been ruined.”

The court heard that the victim, aged 19, was at Lane's home at the time of the incident and was known to the defendant.

In September last year she was offered a job and had found new accommodation and decided to have a few celebratory drinks.

Lane and the victim went out and consumed a couple of drinks before she left him to meet a friend.

On returning to Lane's flat in the Rodwell area the victim had a glass of wine whilst chatting to Lane.

She then went to a bedroom, closed the door and went to sleep.

The court was told Lane went into her bedroom whilst she was drifting off to sleep and raped her.

The victim only became aware of him when he was on her bed and she was "too worried" to fight back and "just wanted it to be over".

At the trial Lane argued that it was her who had initiated sex. 

Representing Lane, Timothy Shorter said: "This is his first experience of prison. He has previous convictions, but nothing of a sexual nature.

"He is a man who is very well thought of in his community. Five or six people have turned up today to express their support for him. This shows that they still think of him as a friend.

"He has helped many others in the course of his life and he is a man who has lived the last 12 years in perfect respectability."

Sentencing Lane, Judge Peter Crabtree said: "When [the victim] rang 999 it was clear she was very distressed and traumatised. You decided to take advantage of a young, vulnerable lady. 

"This has caused serve psychological damage and she now receives counselling and support and has been diagnosed with a mental disorder. It's not surprising that she says her life is unrecognisable. 

"There is not one shred of remorse from you, you maintain that you are the victim."

Judge Crabtree sentenced Lane to seven and a half years in prison. 

He will also be placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

After the case, Detective Constable Andy Thomson, of Weymouth CID, said: “Richard Lane targeted his victim while she was asleep and at her most vulnerable. I hope the sentence handed out today will bring some comfort to her following what has been a very traumatic time.

“Finally, I hope this case reassures the public that we take all reports of sexual offences extremely seriously, will investigate them thoroughly and support victims."