A RAPIST who forced himself onto a woman after detouring while giving her a lift home has been jailed.

Anthony Donald Raymond, 33, of Curtis Close in Amesbury, was sentenced to nine years imprisonment today, October 20, following a week-long trial in Winchester Crown Court.

On March 4, 2022, Raymond was giving a woman a lift home when he detoured to a remote location where he parked.

He then forcibly removed her clothing and raped her.

Officers on routine patrol came across the incident taking place, however Raymond managed to evade officers after fleeing the scene.

Salisbury Journal: Anthony Raymond.Anthony Raymond. (Image: Wiltshire Police)

The account of the victim, alongside those of the officers and their body worn camera footage, secured a guilty verdict and sentencing after a week-long trial.

Detective constable Martyn Powell, of South CID, said: “I would like to praise the victim in this case for having the courage and conviction to see this through a difficult 18 months and a week-long trial.

“The officers at scene who came across this incident captured key information and evidence on their body worn cameras which was able to be produced to the court in evidence.

“I hope that this sentence inspires others who have suffered sexual violence to come forward and report incidents to the police where we will endeavour to support you.”

To report any sexual offence, no matter how much time has passed, call Wiltshire Police on 101.