Man jailed for raping teenage girl he met on dating app

A man has been jailed after being convicted of raping a teenage girl he met on an online dating app. Thomas Manson, 30, was found guilty of raping a 19-year-old in May 2022. She reported the offence to the police, who then arrested the suspect.

Manson, of Crediton in Devon, denied the offence but was found guilty by a unanimous jury at Bristol Crown Court. He was sentenced to four years and nine months in prison. The woman, who legally cannot be identified, said in a victim statement read out to the court: "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. I have always dreamed of a career in corporate law, but this path requires top grades. 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.

"I missed out on valuable workshops and placements at law firms because they clashed with court dates.

"While others were building their futures, I was reliving my trauma in a courtroom."

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

DS Kate Hughes, of Operation Bluestone, said: "I want to commend the victim for the immense bravery she has shown in coming forward to report this incident.

"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."