Man jailed for two sexual assaults in Trowbridge

A man has been sentenced to 30 months imprisonment after sexually assaulting two women in Trowbridge.

Jason Prior, 38, of Trowbridge, appeared at Swindon Crown Court on Friday (01/09) after being convicted of two counts of sexual assault, two counts of assault by beating and one count of criminal damage in three separate incidents.

On the evening of November 5 into November 6 last year, the court heard how Prior sexually assaulted the victim, before refusing to let her leave, becoming violent towards her.

After the victim finally managed to leave the property, Prior then followed her and assaulted her in the street.

On another incident with the same victim on August 17 last year, Prior punched a hole in the victim’s wall following an argument.

Prior was also found guilty of sexually assaulting another victim following an incident in the Shires Shopping Centre in Trowbridge on May 9 this year.

In a hearing on Friday, he was jailed for two-and-a-half years. He was also handed a five year restraining order, required to pay a £187 victim surcharge and sign on to the Sex Offenders' Register indefinitely.   

Investigating officer LCI Anne Williams said: “Prior has exhibited predatory behaviour in his interactions with these two women and I’d like to commend them for their courage in reporting the incidents to us.

“It has taken immense strength of character for them to go through the incidents again with us and then give their victim impact statements to court to ensure that Prior is convicted.

“Prior continually lied during the interviews and he pleaded not guilty. Thanks to the women’s bravery, he has now been convicted and faces a spell behind bars.

“I hope this sends a message to victims of rape or sexual assault that we will do all we can to support them and ensure perpetrators are put before the courts.”

• Wiltshire Police would always urge victims of sexual offences to report these to the police. You can do this by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency.
• Victims can also seek support and counselling from the Swindon and Wiltshire Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) - they can be contacted on the helpline 01793 781916.