Man jailed for raping teenager he met on dating app

Thomas Manson was found guilty at Bristol Crown Court

A 30-year-old man has been jailed for more than four years for raping a teenage girl.

Thomas Manson, of Crediton in Devon, was found guilty at Bristol Crown Court in October before being sentenced on Friday to 57 months in prison.

In a statement read out in court, the victim, who Manson had met through a dating app, spoke about the long-term psychological impacts and the effect it had on her education.

She said: "My A-levels suffered. I went from achieving A grades in my mocks to receiving Bs and Cs because of flashbacks and panic during exams."

Manson raped the victim in May 2022 when she was 19.

She reported the incident to police and Manson was arrested.

In her statement the victim said: "Each time I apply for opportunities, I am forced to explain my 'mitigating circumstances'.

"Every application reminds me of what happened, and that it continues to hold me back."

The victim said Manson's offending had made it "incredibly difficult" to form relationships and she was having weekly therapy to cope with the psychological damage he had caused.

DS Kate Hughes of Operation Bluestone, the specialist rape and sexual offences team at Avon and Somerset Police, praised the victim's bravery in reporting what had happened.

She said: "We fully recognise how incredibly difficult it can be to take that first step and place your trust in the police, and I hope today's outcome gives her some sense of justice and closure.

"I hope this sentence sends a clear message that we will do everything in our power to bring those responsible for such crimes before the courts, and that victims who come forward will be listened to, believed, and supported every step of the way."