A man raped a woman in her Wiltshire home after asking for a drink of water.
Shaun Bundy, 41, told a jury at Winchester Crown Court that he had not engaged in any sexual activity with the victim – despite his DNA being found.
On 26 May 2023, he attended the home of the victim – a woman aged in her 30s who was known to the defendant – in Warminster to collect tools.
Bundy loaded the tools into the back of his vehicle and asked for a drink of water, which the victim agreed to.
Inside the address, he proceeded to rape the victim – before ordering her not to tell anyone and leaving.
The victim bravely reported the attack to police shortly afterwards, and Bundy was arrested the same day at his home address.
In interview, he denied the offence, claiming he had been to the victim’s address but no sexual activity had taken place.
After Bundy’s DNA was found following a forensic examination, he was re-interviewed but continued to deny any sexual contact had taken place.
He was subsequently charged with rape and pleaded not guilty, forcing the victim to relive the experience through the court process.
The jury found Bundy, of Pookfield Close, Nunney, Frome, guilty. He was sentenced to eight years imprisonment plus an extended five years on licence. He’ll also remain registered as a sex offender for life.
DS Toni Nugent of South CID said: “Firstly I want to pay tribute to the victim for the incredible bravery she has shown throughout the process.
“Not only did she come forward to make the report but Bundy then forced her to go through a trial twice despite the forensic evidence.
“The victim also had the support of an independent sexual violence adviser (ISVA) – these are specially trained advisers who provide specialist support to victims who have experienced rape and sexual assault.
“An ISVA provides impartial information to the victim/survivor about their options throughout the process.
“I am pleased that after a court process lasting for more than two years for the victim, Bundy has now been jailed for his crime and will also be on the Sex Offender’s Register for life.”
