Wiltshire man jailed for decade-spanning rapes

WILTSHIRE MAN JAILED FOR DECADE-SPANNING RAPES

A man who committed rape on two separate women a decade apart has been sentenced to over 13 years in prison.

Marcin Janikowski, aged 39, first assaulted a woman in 2014 but was not charged at that time.

It was only after he raped a second woman last year that authorities gathered enough evidence from both incidents to prosecute him on two counts of rape.

One of the victims expressed her pain, stating: "He took away my hopes, my dreams, and my future.

Every day was filled with fear and sadness, making life feel meaningless." Janikowski, whose current address is unspecified but who previously resided in Hilperton, Wiltshire, was sentenced at Portsmouth Crown Court on Friday to a prison term of thirteen and a half years.

Initially, Janikowski admitted to the assault on the second woman last year but later attempted to alter his plea, according to Wiltshire Police.

He also denied the earlier rape from a decade ago but was convicted after a trial held in July.

Additionally, he was ordered to serve three years on licence after his release.

The victim stated: "No justice can truly undo the harm he's inflicted on me, my family, and others." Detective Constable James Gatherum of Wiltshire Police’s Criminal Investigation Department commented that Janikowski’s first victim endured a "traumatic ordeal." He explained there was initially insufficient evidence for charges but that evidence was preserved for further investigation.

In January 2024, police received a report involving rape and assault from another woman, prompting a new inquiry and subsequent charges.

This led to a review of the 2014 case, and charges were eventually authorised based on newly gathered evidence.

Det Con Gatherum praised the courage of the witnesses, adding, "Today signifies the conclusion of a long and difficult journey for the victims."