A man has been jailed for eight years after raping a woman in Warminster.
Shaun Bundy, 41, of Pookfield Close, Nunney, Frome, appeared at Winchester Crown Court on Thursday 4th September, after being found guilty of rape following a retrial.
He was sentenced to eight years imprisonment plus an extended five years on licence.
He is also required to sign on to the Sex Offender’s Register indefinitely.
On 26th May 2023, Bundy attended the home of the victim, a woman in her 30s who was known to Bundy, to collect tools.
He loaded the tools into the back of his vehicle and asked for a drink of water, which the victim agreed to.
Inside the address, Bundy then raped the victim, before leaving and ordering her not to tell anyone.
The victim bravely reported the incident to the police shortly after and Bundy was arrested the same day at his home address.
In interview, he denied the offence, claiming he had been to the victim’s address, but no sexual activity had taken place.
After Bundy’s DNA was found following a forensic examination, he was re-interviewed but continued to deny any sexual contact had taken place.
He was subsequently charged with rape and pleaded not guilty, forcing the victim to relive the experience through the court process.
He was found guilty in a re-trial following a hung jury in the first trial.
DS Toni Nugent of South CID said, “Firstly, I want to pay tribute to the victim for the incredible bravery she has shown throughout the process.
“Not only did she come forward to make the report, but Bundy then forced her to go through a trial twice despite the forensic evidence.
“The victim also had the support of an independent sexual violence adviser (ISVA) – these are specially trained advisers who provide specialist support to victims who have experienced rape and sexual assault.
“An ISVA provides impartial information to the victim/survivor about their options throughout the process.
“I am pleased that after a court process lasting for more than two years for the victim, Bundy has now been jailed for his crime and will also be on the Sex Offender’s Register for life.”
Information about support available to survivors of sexual abuse can be found on the Wiltshire Police website.
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