The support of a brave victim who was brutally attacked and sexually assaulted has led to the defendant being put behind bars.

Jake Wilkinson, aged 31 and of Poole, was found guilty of attempted rape, intentional strangulation, trespass with intent to commit a sexual offence, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and two counts of sexual assault by penetration following a trial at Winchester Crown Court.

The incident occurred during the early hours of Sunday 1 December 2024 at an address in Bournemouth.

Wilkinson was at the victim’s home address – who is known to him – when they had an argument, causing him to leave the property.

The defendant asked to come back in, but was refused. He repeatedly kicked and punched the door to such an extent that he created a hole for him to crawl back into the address.

Wilkinson attempted to rape the woman and sexually assaulted her. He also strangled her until she was no longer able to breathe.

The victim sustained scratches to her neck and arms, a swollen lip, cuts to her legs and an injury to her back.

The defendant was arrested and charged in connection with the incident.

Wilkinson – a British national who self-defines as white British – was sentenced at the same court on Friday 16 October 2026 to 12 years in prison with an extended licence period of a further three years.

Detective Constable Holly Puckett, of Dorset Police, said: “This was a horrific attack that must have been terrifying for the victim. The offender acted in an appalling manner, which his sentence can never reflect.

“I’d like to thank the victim in this case who has shown incredible strength and resilience in supporting the investigation and disclosing what happened to her to allow her attacker to be held accountable for his actions.

“We are committed to supporting victims of sexual offences and will do all we can to ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.”

If you have been a victim of a sexual offence and you want to report directly to the police, please call 101 and ask to be put in contact with a specially trained police officer. Always dial 999 in an emergency. Alternatively, you can contact The Shores Sexual Assault Referral Centre on 0800 970 9954.

Source: Dorset Police news release.