Man jailed after two rape convictions

A rapist has been sentenced to almost 10 years in prison after being convicted in a trial.

Thomas Osbourne, also known as Solomon Osbourne, was found guilty by majority verdict of two counts of rape against a woman earlier this year.

On Friday September 27, the 33-year-old from St George was sentenced to nine and a half years in prison at Bristol Crown Court.

Every victim of a sexual offense is legally entitled to anonymity. The victim in this case prepared a statement that was read out in court in which she said she was now afraid of all men.

She said: “When I think about how this has affected me and how I live my life, I find it difficult to put it into words and I find it very difficult. Since then, I haven’t been the same person I used to be.

“It has also led to me completely isolating myself from my family and friends because I don’t want to talk about anything or even think about what happened.

“He completely ruined my trust in anyone and especially men.

“I’m afraid of all men now. I always tried to see the good in people and felt like that was taken away from me.

“Now I’m always worried about what someone’s intentions are and whether the same things will happen again.”

Osbourne will be placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely and his criminal record will be shared with the Disclosure and Barring Service.

DC Molly Vockings, who works in our Operation Bluestone specialist rape and serious sexual assault investigation team, said: “As a department we are incredibly proud of the outcome of this conviction. Not just because the criminal justice system has held someone accountable for their despicable actions, but also because of what that means for the victim.

“From the beginning of this investigation to the sentencing, she has demonstrated her resilience and courage.

“We never underestimate the strength a victim demonstrates in reporting such heinous crimes and supporting a successful prosecution, especially when faced with a rapist like Osbourne who has repeatedly refused to admit the terrible crimes he committed , to recognize.

“The victim stated she did not want others to be put at risk by Osbourne and it is thanks to her courage that this dangerous individual is no longer on our streets. We hope she is proud of what she has achieved as she has certainly helped protect other women from his predatory behavior.”

DC Vockings added: “We would urge anyone who is the victim of a sexual offense to come forward and tell us what happened.”

“We cannot promise that every case will result in a conviction, but we can promise that we will do our utmost to get you the justice you deserve. You will be believed and will be able to access any support services that may help you.

“It doesn’t matter if it happened five minutes ago or five decades ago, we’re here for you.”