Off-licence rapist jailed for 16 years

First edition

A MAN who raped two women and carried out a series of robberies in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and London, was yesterday jailed for 16 years.

Matthew Thomas, 32, appearing for sentencing at Leeds Crown Court, targeted late-night off-licences, often where a lone woman was working behind the counter.

Thomas admitted the first rape at an earlier trial at St Albans Crown Court. He was convicted of the second rape at a separate trial at Luton Crown Court.

Thomas, of Stevenage, Hertfordshire, was sentenced for five other offences he admitted: indecent assault, three robberies, and possessing a firearm. He asked for four off-licence raids to be taken into consideration.