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Following a Thames Valley Police investigation, a man has been jailed for two rapes, an assault by penetration and drug-dealing in Wantage.
Dylan Sims, aged 21, of St Marys, Wantage, was sentenced to nine years and six months’ imprisonment, with a further three years and six months on an extended license, at Oxford Crown Court today (24/6).
A jury unanimously found Sims guilty of two counts of rape and one count of assault by penetration at the same court on 8 May this year, after a seven-day trial. The jury also unanimously found Sims not guilty of a third count of rape.
Sims pleaded guilty to one count each of being concerned in supplying a controlled drug of classes A and B, namely cocaine and cannabis, and supplying a controlled drug of class A to another, namely cocaine, at the same court in May last year.
In October 2022, a 17-year-old girl and a woman told police about Sims’ sexual offences and cocaine and cannabis dealing, all of which was committed in Wantage from 2021 to 2022.
Sims was arrested on 14 October 2022, and charged on 22 February last year.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Jennifer Gibbons said: "I am pleased with the sentence given out to Dylan Sims, one that fits his abhorrent crimes.
“Sims has never shown any remorse for his actions; he lied in his police interviews and denied the offences, even when faced with overwhelming evidence.
“Sims later changed his account at court – admitting drug offences but denying rape.
“Thankfully, the jury was able to see through this and after only four hours deliberation, found him guilty of two rapes and a sexual assault by penetration.
“I would like to thank both victims for their courage coming to police, as well as all the witnesses who came forward and supported the investigation.
“I hope this conviction gives those who have been affected by sexual offending the confidence to stand up and know they will be listened to. This conviction highlights not only our commitment to tackling these crimes, but also our commitment to support violence against women and girls, as well as all victims of sexual violence.”