'Dangerous offender' jailed for 20 years for raping woman.

Dangerous offender jailed for 20 years for rape in North Wales

Thomas Goodier, 25, of St Helens, Merseyside, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the rape of a woman in Conwy county. Goodier was found guilty of two counts of rape and was also handed an extended license of seven years by Judge Timothy Petts at Caernarfon Crown Court.

The judge praised the victim for her bravery in coming forward and giving evidence to the police and in court. "You are going to need a lot of love, help and support," he told the court.

Judge Petts described Goodier, who showed no emotion during the sentencing hearing via video link from prison, as "a dangerous offender." The court heard that Goodier maintained his innocence throughout the trial.

Speaking after sentencing, DC Bev Humphreys from Central Division Protecting Vulnerable Persons Unit said: "I welcome the sentence today which I hope allows the victim and their family to focus now on positively re-building their future. The victim has shown incredible bravery throughout."

"The investigation and sentence should send a message that whilst we recognise that any form of violence is unacceptable, anyone who wants to target and commit sexual offences against women or children in particular should know that we will be thorough, we will persevere, and we will bring you to justice."

"I would also like to thank partners at the Crown Prosecution Service, who have worked hard with us to make north Wales safer by putting Thomas Goodier behind bars."

Goodier was also subjected to lifetime sex offenders' and sexual harm prevention orders.