A MAN has been jailed after he raped two vulnerable women in their own homes on the same day in Poole.

Police were called to an address in Poole at around 5.15am on May 15 to respond to reports that a woman in her 70s with dementia had been raped at her home.

The force was told how an unknown man entered her home at night and dragged the victim to her bedroom where he raped her.

29-year-old Daniel John Hart, of no fixed abode, was soon identified as a suspect after he was linked to the crime through DNA analysis.

Later on the same day, shortly before 2pm, Dorset Police received a report that another Poole woman – aged in her 40s – had been approached by a man outside her flat, who had then raped her inside her home.

Moments later officers responded to a report of an altercation nearby and when they attended, they chased a man who was making off from the scene.

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The man was followed to the address of the second victim, where he jumped into the property through the lounge window.

Hart was arrested at the scene and was confirmed by the victim – who was also a vulnerable woman with disabilities – to be the man who had raped her.

Hart was subsequently charged with the rape of both women and entered guilty pleas at court. He appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court on Monday (November 3) and was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Detective inspector Jon Sainsbury, of Bournemouth CID, said: “Daniel Hart’s horrific offending saw him rape two vulnerable women in their own homes.

“Thanks to the swift response from officers on the day and a thorough and determined investigation by detectives afterwards, we were able to hold him to account for his despicable crimes.

“I particularly want to thank the two detectives who led on the investigations into each of the two rapes – detective constable Hele Leech-Wilkinson and detective constable Chloe Roaf. When it became apparent both matters involved the same suspect, they worked diligently together to build the case against Hart and ensure he faced justice.

“Our officers will continue to support victims of rape and sexual offences and are absolutely committed to identifying those responsible and taking robust action against them.”

Anyone who has been a victim of rape of sexual assault should call 101 and ask to be put in contact with a specially trained police officer. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

Alternatively, contact The Shores Sexual Assault Referral Centre on 0800 970 9954.