A RAPIST who grabbed a woman by her throat and sexually assaulted her has been jailed.
Liam James Puncher, aged 23 and of Dorchester, was jailed for six-and-a-half years in prison after being found guilty of the offence at a previous trial at Bournemouth Crown Court.
On the night of Friday, February 22, 2019, the defendant and the victim, a woman who was known to him, were at her home on Portland and watching a film together.
Puncher began touching her in a sexual manner and the victim clearly told him to stop.
At around 1.50am on Saturday, February 23 2019 the defendant made further advances and proceeded to grab her by the throat as he raped her.
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Following the incident, Puncher left the property and then texted his victim to apologise, before asking her not to tell anyone.
Puncher reported himself to the police in the early hours of Sunday, February 24, 2019 stating he wanted to hand himself in in relation to an incident that had happened on Portland.
The victim made a report later that morning and Puncher was arrested shortly afterwards.
In police interview, Puncher claimed they had engaged in consensual sexual activity and denied he had raped his victim.
Detective Sergeant Jo Blackmore, of Weymouth CID, said: “The jury during Puncher’s trial clearly rejected his false claims that this was a consensual act and I want to praise the victim for having the courage to come forward and support our investigation.
“She showed immense bravery throughout the court process and helped secure a conviction and jail term for the man who raped her.
“I hope her actions will give other victims the strength to come forward in the knowledge that they will be supported and we will do all we can to bring sexual attackers 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.
Always dial 999 in an emergency. Alternatively, you can contact The Shores Sexual Assault Referral Centre on 0800 970 9954.
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