Double rapist from Bristol jailed for nine-and-a-half years

Thomas Osbourne is also known as Solomon Osbourne

A Bristol man who raped a woman twice earlier this year has been jailed and placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely. Thomas Osbourne, also known as Solomon Osbourne, has been jailed for nine-and-a-half years for his vicious crimes that left his female victim fearful of all men.

33-year-old Osbourne, from St George, denied the offences, forcing his brave victim to relive her ordeal in court during his trial. However, he was not believed and was found guilty by a majority verdict of two counts of rape.

Sick predator Osbourne refused to acknowledge his crimes, which were described as "horrific" by Avon and Somerset Police. His victim played a key role in ensuring Osbourne will spend years behind bars.

The woman's victim impact statement was read out in court. She said: “In terms of how this has impacted me and how I live my life, I am struggling with how to put it into words and find this very difficult. I’m not the same person I used to be since.

“This has also caused me to completely isolate myself from my family and friends, because I don’t want to talk or even think about everything that happened. He has completely ruined my trust in anyone and in particular men.

“I now feel scared of all men. I always used to try to see the good in people and feel as though that has been taken from me. Now, I always worry about what someone’s intentions would be and if the same things are going to happen again.”

Osbourne was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on Friday 27 September. Osbourne will be added to the sex offenders register indefinitely and his criminal record shared with the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Detective Constable Molly Vockings, who works within Avon and Somerset Police's Operation Bluestone dedicated rape and serious sexual assault investigation team, said: “As a department, we are incredibly proud of the result of this conviction. Not only because the criminal justice system has held someone accountable for their despicable actions, but because of what this means for the victim.

“From the day this investigation began, all the way through until sentencing, she has demonstrated her resilience and courageous nature. We never underestimate the strength a victim shows to report such heinous offences and support a successful prosecution, especially when faced with a rapist like Osbourne who time after time refused to acknowledge the horrific crimes he committed.

“The victim stated she didn’t want others to be at risk of Osbourne and it is because of her bravery that this dangerous individual is no longer on our streets. We hope she takes pride in what she has achieved because she has most certainly helped to protect other women from his predatory behaviour.

“We would urge anyone who is a victim of a sexual offence to come forward and tell us what has happened. We cannot promise every case will lead to a conviction, but what we can promise is we will do our utmost to get you the justice you deserve. You will be believed and you will be able to access any support services that could help you. It matters not whether it happened five minutes ago, or five decades ago, we are here for you.”

You can report rape or sexual assault, whether it is recent or non-recent by calling 101 or visiting this website.

If you are a victim of sexual assault or rape, you can self-refer to The Bridge, a Sexual Assault Referral Centre available 24/7, 365 days a year. Visit their website at www.thebridgecanhelp.org.uk or call 0117 342 6999. You can also visit www.thisisnotanexcuse.org.uk for details of charities and organisations who are experts in supporting victims.