Rapist described as 'monster' given 20 years

A "monster" who sexually assaulted a number of young girls has been jailed for 20 years after he was found guilty of seven counts of sexual assault and one count of rape.

Alan Styles, 44, formerly of Semington Road, Melksham, was sentenced at Winchester Crown Court on 19 June after a trial in February. The assaults happened between January 2019 and October 2023 at multiple locations.

A parent of one victim told the court: "While I believed you were kind and caring, you were hiding the true person you really were. The reality is that you are a monster."

One of Styles' victims said what had happened haunted her "every single day".

She said: "Everywhere I go there is a reminder of you.

"I find myself blaming me for what you did, like somehow it must have been my fault.

"I wish I could of told someone to make it stop. I was a child and you exposed me to things I shouldn't have ever been exposed to.

"My only hope is that you can have some sort of consequence that will change your life as much as what you did to me has changed mine."

In a statement read to the court, another victim told Styles: "I didn't know that one person could have such a big impact on another's life until now.

"There is always a moment every day when it comes up, all of it - terrible overwhelming thoughts and memories.

"It fills my brain and consumes my thoughts, making me feel anxious and stressed."

They said they had an "overwhelming fear" that if Styles was found not guilty then they would be "forever silenced" and there would be no justice.

"Why did this happen to me? I didn't deserve it," the girl said.

Wiltshire Police said Styles targeted vulnerable young girls, plying them with drugs and alcohol.

Styles was also issued with a Sexual Protection Order and made the subject of a restraining order.

Detective Sergeant Becki Nash said: "The victims in this case have shown considerable bravery during the investigation and in having to relive their experiences in court.

"Styles is deservedly behind bars and we hope that this result will give confidence to others who have experienced these type of offences."

She said that those who come forward would be "listened to and supported".

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