A sex offender from Swindon has been sentenced to over 18 years in prison after admitting to three counts of sexual activity with a child.
Rhyan Thomas (28) of Beech Avenue, Pinehurst pleaded guilty to the three charges at Swindon Crown Court as well as pleading guilty to controlling and coercive behaviour, harassment with violence, criminal damage and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.
He was also made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order restricting his behaviour upon release.
He was sentenced at Swindon Crown Court on Thursday 7 September 2017: 20 years and six months in total (18 years and six months in jail plus two years on licence).
Detective Inspector Gemma Vinton said: “Rhyan Thomas has admitted to serious sexual offences against children, and posed a very real risk to girls, having used threatening and harassing tactics to wear his victims down.
“I’d like to thank the victims in this case for their bravery in coming forward and telling us what happened. I sincerely hope that the severity of this sentence enables them to feel that justice has been served.”
The conspiracy to pervert the course of justice conviction relates to Thomas trying to evade prosecution by coordinating attacks on witnesses from prison. As a result, Thomas’ sister Shakia Prince-Thomas received a 12 month custodial sentence for conspiring to commit criminal damage on a witnesses’ home.
Also, two of his associates pleaded guilty to conspiring to pervert the course of justice: Jazmin Fry (21) of Ermin Street, Swindon received a 12-month sentence, suspended for 18 months and Raffaele Bretti (21) from Swindon is due to be sentenced later in September.
DI Vinton said: “All of those people who have attempted to assist Thomas in preventing evidence in relation to him abusing children from being heard should be ashamed of themselves.
“If not for the tenacious determination of the investigating officer, Detective Constable Tom Fowler, these individuals may have prevented the victims from getting justice.”
Thomas was sentenced for serious sexual offences against children, as well as for domestic violence offences.
DI Vinton said: “Wiltshire Police treat all reports of domestic or child abuse with the utmost seriousness, and work closely with the local authority and other agencies to support victims and take robust action against offenders.
“Anyone experiencing domestic abuse is urged to seek support as soon as it is safe to do so.”
If you do not want to contact police, support and advice can be sought from Women’s Aid, who can be contacted 24 hours a day on 01793 610610.
Victims can also seek support and counselling from the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) based at the New Swindon Sanctuary – they can be contacted on the 24-hour helpline: 0808 168 0024 or via www.newswindonsanctuary.co.uk.
