AN illegal immigrant who repeatedly raped one woman and sexually assaulted another has been jailed for 16 years.

Fathi Dridi, who had lied about where he was from when he came into the UK, targeted the vulnerable women after meeting them in a supermarket.

And the 32-year-old Tunisian was told that when he is released from his jail term he will almost certainly be deported.

Charles Thomas, prosecuting, told Swindon Crown Court how Dridi met both of his victims at Tesco on Ocotal Way.

He said the first woman met Dridi at the shop they became friends and had a short relationship before she ended it because of his jealous nature.

She remained friendly with him but he abused that by repeatedly raping her.

On one occasion he went to her home and forced his way in before raping her, and another time he attacked her in public when they were out for a walk.

Dridi, of Westcott Place and formerly of Chicory Close, denied four counts of rape, one of attempted rape and a sexual assault but was found guilty by a jury.

Mr Thomas said in early 2014 he also met the second victim and they also had a brief relationship.

In June of that year she was at home alone when he came to her door. She let him in but once inside he sexually assaulted her.

The court heard he had initially been charged with rape but following his conviction for the other matters he admitted sexual assault.

Mr Thomas said that when Dridi came into the UK he claimed asylum claiming to be from Palestine, when in reality he was an 'economic migrant' from Tunisia.

He said he had been served with deportation papers by the Home Office but if he is sentenced to more than 12 months he would be thrown out of the country.

Rob Ross, defending, said that his client still maintained his innocence and there were clearly cultural differences at play.