Dorchester Rapist Jailed for 11 Years After Twice Attacking Victim
Shocking Attacks at Home and on the Road
Jack Anthony Rowland, 24, from Dorchester, was slammed with an 11-year prison sentence for a terrifying string of offences including non-fatal strangulation, assault, criminal damage, and two counts of rape. The Bournemouth Crown Court handed down the sentence on Monday, November 27, 2023.
The horror began on November 11, 2022, when Rowland attacked a young woman at his home despite her clear refusal. He strangled and raped her. The nightmare didn’t end there.
Second Assault on the Move
Between February 17 and 18, 2023, Rowland’s violence flared again with the same victim. While driving from Dorchester to Weymouth, he became agitated and kicked the car’s windscreen. Back in Dorchester, he forced the victim to pull over into a lay-by where he launched another brutal assault.
Justice Served, Victim Praised
The victim courageously reported the attacks to police at 5:40am on February 18, leading to Rowland’s arrest the very next day. Alongside his 11-year jail term, Rowland has been slapped with a ten-year restraining order.
Florence Winstanley, Investigations Officer at Dorset County CID, praised the victim’s bravery, stating, “Rowland used violence in both of the incidents, and this kind of abhorrent offending will not be tolerated. We take reports of sexual offences very seriously and are committed to supporting victims, investigating offences, and bringing offenders such as Rowland to justice.”
Help and Support for Victims
If you or someone you know has been assaulted, contact police by calling 101 to speak with specially trained officers. In an emergency, dial 999 immediately. You can also reach out to The Shores Sexual Assault Referral Centre on 0800 970 9954 for confidential support.
