A DEVIZES man was sentenced to 20 years in prison today after being found guilty of 16 sexual offences, including rape.

Thomas Bassett, 58, from Stockwell Road, was convicted of raping two women, a number of sexual assaults on children and one sexual assault on another woman at at Winchester Crown Court yesterday.

After sentencing, DC Keith Harford, from Wiltshire Police, said: "We welcome today's sentencing, following on from yesterday's guilty verdict.

"This is a positive result reflecting years of hard work for my officers in compiling enough evidence to convict this man.

“Wiltshire Police would like to thank each of the victims for their bravery in coming forward and recounting what is obviously a very distressing and traumatic time in their lives.

"The judge in this case, Judge Miller, said, in her summing up, 'that Bassett was a devious, sexual predator who carried out repulsive and manipulative behaviour. It is likely that he has been offending the whole of his life.' This accurately describes the man.

“We are also not ruling out the possibility that there are more victims out there – if that is you or someone you know then please come forward.

"You will be dealt with sensitively by one of our specially trained officers and I can assure you that any information you give will be treated in the utmost confidence and will be followed up. We are determined to catch anyone who carries out such crimes.

"Anyone wishing to contact us can do so by calling 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”