Kerr, 34, was sentenced to six years and nine months after a jury found him guilty of rape.

A Wells man has been jailed for more than six and a half years after raping a woman while she slept at a house in July 2023.

Ryan Kerr, 34, of Wells, was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on Friday, 6 March, after a jury found him guilty of rape at Taunton Crown Court in December. He was jailed for six years and nine months and handed an indefinite restraining order banning him from contacting the victim.

Kerr had denied the offence and claimed the sex had been consensual. Police said the attack was reported after the incident in 2023 and he was later arrested and charged following an investigation by Operation Bluestone, Avon and Somerset Police's specialist rape and serious sexual offences team.

Detective Constable Venetia Kelly said: "I would like to commend the courage shown by the victim throughout the investigation and trial. She was offended against in the most heinous way and I hope that the sentence imposed provides her with some comfort as she looks to rebuild her life.

"Kerr's refusal to admit his guilt only delayed this process and added to the significant harm he had already caused.

"I'm pleased that he has now been convicted and is beginning a lengthy prison sentence."

The case was heard in Somerset's crown courts, with Kerr convicted in Taunton before being sentenced in Bristol. Readers can find more Wells local news and the latest Wells court and crime stories.

advertisement

Victims of rape or sexual assault, whether recent or non-recent, can self-refer to The Bridge sexual assault referral centre or find details of specialist support services through This Is Not An Excuse.

More local stories

• Campaigners say Somerset failing on accessible homes
• Somerset burglaries rise to nearly 3,900 a year

Subscribe to the free Wells Nub News newsletter Get the biggest Wells stories straight to your inbox.