Swindon man sentenced for serious sexual assault
The incident happened back in 2021
A man from Swindon is to spend four years and seven months behind bars after pleading guilty to rape.
Despite submitting an application to change his guilty plea to not guilty, this was dismissed by the courts.
43-year-old Ricky Sparks, from Buckhurst Crescent in Walcot was sentenced at Swindon Crown Court on Friday (5 July) following the incident in December 2021.
Sparks was charged with rape in December 2022 and pleaded guilty in early 2023.
However, prior to the next hearing, Sparks accused his counsel of pressuring him into pleading guilty.
A hearing on May 3, 2024 dismissed Sparks’ application for his guilty plea to be withdrawn.
Sparks was also put on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely and given an indefinite restraining order and ordered to pay £190 surcharge.
'The relief I felt when his guilty plea wasn't turned over was immeasurable'
In a statement read to the court his victim said: "I am so grateful to Wiltshire Police, in particular Detective Constable Alex Doughty and the Crown Prosecution Service for believing in me and supporting me.
"The relief I felt when his guilty plea wasn’t over turned was immeasurable. I finally have my life back. I have survived and I can move on to becoming me again."
Detective Constable Alex Doughty said: “Mr Sparks has done everything he could in this case to make everyone else out to be a liar and to make himself come out on top. Today I am glad to see him finally be convicted as a rapist and receive a custodial sentence.
"His victim has been so incredibly brave throughout this police investigation and I wholeheartedly commend her for coming forward to report such a personal and horrific crime. I hope she inspires other victims to come forward and report to the police.
"Please remember there is support available, including from the Police. You are not alone.”
If you’ve been the victim of rape or sexual assault, there are many, you can report it to the police on 101, online or in a police station.
Always call 999 in an emergency.