A 39-YEAR-OLD man has been jailed for 13 years after raping a woman in Bridgwater.

Stefan Bolohan, of no fixed address, was jailed on Friday, May 24 after a jury found him guilty to one count of rape in March.

The court heard how, on Friday, June 3, 2022, Bolohan had raped a woman on the green opposite Clarks Road in Bridgwater.

The incident was reported to police the following day and detectives carried out a CCTV trawl of the area.

Following several enquiries, police released a CCTV appeal to identify a suspect and, thanks to the support of the public, the man was identified as Bolohan and he was arrested.

Detective Inspector Claire Millington described Bolohan as a “danger to women” and she was grateful this was recognised in his sentence.

She added: "The CCTV in this case showed that Bolohan was calculated and predatory, following the victim and, when she was isolated and in an area of darkness, he took the opportunity to attack her and subject her to a horrific ordeal.

"I cannot put into words the courage and bravery the victim has shown in not only coming forward to the police, but supporting the police investigation and giving evidence in court."

Judge Cook sentenced Bolohan to 13 years' imprisonment, with an extended period of three years on licence. He must also sign the sex offenders' register and is bound by a life-long restraining order not to contact the victim.