A BARNSLEY man has been given a 15-year jail term after being found guilty of four counts of rape.

Ian Hawkes, 58, denied committing the offences against one female victim but was found guilty following a trial at Sheffield Crown Court.

Investigating officer David Dodds said: “Hawkes preyed on the vulnerabilities of his victim, subjecting her to horrific sexual offending.

“He refused to admit what he’d done, meaning the case went to a trial and the victim had the added stress of a court trial to contend with.

“The courage she has shown in coming forward to report Hawkes, and the resolve and strength she has demonstrated throughout our investigation and the legal process, is incredibly admirable.

“Sexual abuse can have a lasting impact on victims, so I truly hope that with the news Hawkes will now spend a lengthy period of time behind bars she is able to take another step forward in her journey to recovery.”