Rapist who treated woman 'like a ragdoll' jailed

Louis Cann was found guilty of nine counts of rape in June

A rapist who subjected two women to "truly shocking" abuse over a 10-month period has been jailed for 20 years.

Louis Cann, of Rampart Way, Gosport, subjected his victims to humiliation, degradation, blackmail and manipulation, Salisbury Crown Court was told.

The 38-year-old, who was found guilty of nine counts of rape in June, also physically assaulted one of women after she refused sex with him, a jury heard.

Sentencing him to 20 years in prison, with an extended five-year licence period, Judge Adam Feest KC said he treated one of his victims “like a ragdoll”.

“Neither I nor anyone listening to this case can properly understand the long-lasting trauma, distress, and fear that your actions have caused,” the judge told him.

Cann assaulted the women, who he knew, in Portsmouth and Gosport between February and December 2022.

He will be included on the sex offenders' register for the rest of his life and was handed a lifelong sexual harm prevention order.

Det Sgt Samantha Brown, from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, said Cann inflicted “truly shocking” sexual violence and abuse.

“These women were degraded, manipulated and assaulted in the most appalling way," she said.

"Nonetheless, they have shown incredible courage in standing up to this cowardly individual, and because of their strength and bravery Cann will now spend a lengthy period of time in jail.

“We want anyone who has been affected by rape or sexual abuse to have the confidence to report this.

"You will be believed and we will do everything in our power to bring offenders to justice."