A 31-year-old man who raped a woman he met during a night out in Bath has been jailed for nearly eight years following a trial at Bristol Crown Court.
31-year-old Anthony Brown-Jones | Photo © Avon & Somerset Police
Anthony Brown-Jones, of Rugeley, Staffordshire, denied raping his victim in September 2020 at a holiday lodge but was found guilty.
Sentencing Brown-Jones to seven years and six months in prison, Judge Martin Picton said the attack was “animalistic” and “inhumane”.
Brown-Jones must serve two-thirds of his custodial sentence before being considered for parole and will also be on the sex offenders’ register for life.
In a statement read out in court ahead of the sentencing hearing on Wednesday 5th April, his victim said: “[Brown-Jones] felt entitled to do what he wanted and I was not in a position to defend myself.
“I was drunk, I was unconscious. I would never have consented.
“This investigation has had a massive impact over the last two years on me and my family.
“I also know it is going to have a massive impact on him, because of what he has done and the sentence that will be passed.
“I am not an unkind or malicious person, but he needs to be punished and I would like to thank the jury for the decision that they have come to.”
Detective Constable Jon Oakey, the investigating officer, said: “This was a disgusting attack on a defenceless young woman who at the time was unable to consent to having sex.
“Together, with our partners, we have provided her with support but I don’t underestimate the impact the attack has had.
“While the victim does not remember the incident, it’s clear the trauma of knowing what happened is just as significant.
“I’d like to thank her for the support she has shown our investigation – it’s because of the strength and resilience she has shown that a dangerous rapist is now in prison.”
Victims of rape or sexual assault, recent or non-recent, can self-refer to The Bridge, a Sexual Assault Referral Centre available 24/7 365 days a year.
You can visit their website at www.thebridgecanhelp.org.uk or call 0117 342 6999.
You can also visit www.thisisnotanexcuse.org for details of charities and organisations that are experts in supporting victims.
