Soldier facing jail for rape of teenage girls

Jonathan Haynes, 30, was found guilty of six counts of rape, two of kidnap and two of attempting to kidnap following a three week trial at Bristol Crown Court.

The predator meticulously planned his attacks for weeks as he prowled the streets of Chippenham, Wiltshire, late at night looking for young victims, starting in September 2009.

Haynes raped the girls after abducting them from the streets of the town and also attacked a University of Glamorgan first year student after breaking into halls of residence.

The Royal Logistics Corp lance corporal, who was based at Buckley Barracks, Hullavington, near Chippenham, also tried to snatch two 14-year-old girls from a country lane.

Haynes, who wore grey trousers and a grey shirt and tie, stood expressionless between two dock officers as the jury forewoman returned 10 unanimous guilty verdicts after less than a day’s deliberations.

Members of the public, who were sitting in court, wiped away tears and hugged each other following the verdicts.

Defence barrister Ian Bourne QC asked for an adjournment for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

Recorder of Bristol Judge Neil Ford QC agreed and fixed sentencing for September 8.

He told Haynes: “I have ordered a pre-sentence report and it will be in your best interest to co-operate.

“In the meantime, you will be remanded into custody.”

After Haynes was led away, the judge thanked the jury of seven men and five women for their attention to what he described as a “distressing” case.

Police said afterwards they believed there may be other victims from during the last decade.