A detective has welcomed the guilty verdicts of a Swindon man who raped and sexually assaulted a woman.

Patrick Dean Williams, previously of Gooch Street, was unanimously convicted by a jury today (Monday) of rape, assault by penetration, causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent, and two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

The court had heard how the 46-year-old had “degraded” the woman in more than a year of emotional, physical and sexual abuse, making her feel “trapped” and “dirty”.

He was warned on Monday he could face life in prison after the judge says he considers him "dangerous".

Reacting to Monday’s conviction, Detective Constable Helen Bott, from Swindon Criminal Investigation Department (CID), paid tribute to the victim.

She said in a statement: “We know how difficult it is for victims of sexual offences to speak out about what has happened to them and I want to praise the strength and courage of the victim in this case.

“Due to the fact that Williams pleaded not guilty, this case went to trial and the victim had to relive one of the darkest periods of her life, telling her story to the courtroom.

“I hope this conviction provides reassurance that Wiltshire Police takes these kinds of offences incredibly seriously and that it encourages those who have experienced sexual assault to tell somebody so that their offender can face justice.

“If you don’t yet feel ready to speak to the police, then please consider telling a friend or family member, or make a call to a specialist charity or support agency.”

Williams, who is remanded in custody at HMP Ashfield, will be sentenced on April 8 before the same court.

The 12-person jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict on all five counts after just over three hours of deliberations across Friday and Monday.

Wiltshire Police urge victims of sexual offences to report these to the police. You can do this by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency.

Victims can also seek support and counselling from the Swindon and Wiltshire Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) - they can be contacted on the helpline 01793 781916.