A rapist who sexually abused two girls over a number of years has been jailed after the victims bravely came forward.

Semi Tuilovoni Lave, 31, from Tidworth, was found guilty of six counts of rape of a child and one count of sexual assault of a child by touching, following a four-day trial at Salisbury Crown Court.

Today, February 3, he was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

His offending came to light in July 2020 when his young victims bravely reported the abuse and police arrested Lave.

Detective Constable Claire Heathcote, from Wiltshire Police’s Public Protection Department, praised the victims for the way they had handled such a traumatising and difficult case.

She said: “We know how incredibly difficult it can be for victims of sexual abuse to tell someone about what has been happening to them, especially when the victims are children.

“Once these girls took the very brave step of reporting these horrendous crimes, we have worked hard to ensure they have been able to receive the relevant help and support they need, particularly when they had to re-live that abuse giving evidence in court due to the fact that Lave refused to admit his actions.

“We welcome the verdict in this case and today’s sentence and I hope it provides some reassurance to the victims that justice has now been done.

“I also hope it gives others the confidence to speak out if they have been the victim of similar crimes. If you don’t yet feel ready to speak to the police, then please just tell someone you trust.

"There is help out there and you don’t have to suffer in silence.”

Wiltshire Police urges victims of sexual offences to report these to the police by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency.

Victims can also seek support and counselling from the Swindon and Wiltshire Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) on the helpline 01793 781916.

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