A rapist who left his victim unconscious and injured in a Swindon car park has been jailed.
The 18-year-old woman had been out drinking with her friends in Old Town when she was attacked by Rooney Gardi on 30 June last year.
The 23-year-old, of Calne Road, Lyneham, denied a charge of rape – but was convicted by a jury at his trial in March.
Swindon Crown Court heard how the victim was found in Dammas Lane by members of the public in the early hours, with no memory of the last few hours.
She was missing her underwear and has sustained injuries to her body and face.
Today (Wednesday), Gardi was jailed five years and six months – and will have to serve two thirds of his sentence behind bars before being eligible for release.
In a statement read out in court the victim said: “I have felt a mixture disgust, shame, embarrassment, feeling scared and being overwhelmed and none of these feelings have ever gone away.
“I often feel that if I hadn’t gone out that it wouldn’t have happened, I wouldn’t of drank and you wouldn’t of taken advantage of me.
“I blame myself constantly, was my outfit too revealing? But I know this is not my fault and I know the responsibility lies solely at your door.
“The fact that I was left unconscious in a car park only shows how drunk I was that night and certainly not able to consent to anything you did to me.
“Instead of taking advantage you should of seen a young woman who was vulnerable and sought help rather than raping and leaving her unconscious and full of shame and regret for going out with her friends.”
DC Anna McCormack, of Swindon CID, said: “Gardi is a sexual predator who admitted sexual contact but denied the more serious charge. He took advantage of a young girl who was vulnerable.
“Today the judge thanked the victim for her bravery, and I echo that. She is only 18 still has no memory of the incident. She has shown strength and courage throughout the investigation and has put her trust in the police to piece together what happened to her that night.
“I also want to thank the members of the public and the community wardens who initially attended to the victim, who, once presented with what they found, identified that she had been the victim of a sexual attack.
“Without their tenacity and quick thinking to contact the police and protect the scene, it is possible a lot of crucial evidence in this case could have been lost.
“Members of our community should be allowed to go on a night out with friends for drinks without having to fear that they are going to become the victim of such violence against them. But if you believe you have been the victim of sexual violence, even if you cannot remember all the details, please be reassured that we will investigate fully.”
