Man jailed for ‘planned and predatory’ rape in Taunton park

A rapist attacked a woman in a “planned and predatory” assault in a park after approaching her while she was in distress, a court was told.

Manoj Chinthathira, 29, of Wilfred Road in Taunton, Somerset, pleaded guilty to two counts of rape following the incident in Victoria Park on 11 October 2025.

Security cameras captured the chilling moment Chinthathira told the victim, who he had “plied” with alcohol, that he was going to rape her and she repeatedly begged “please don’t”. During the sustained assault, she feared for her life, police said.

Speaking at Taunton Crown Court earlier, His Honour Judge Stephen Climie said Chinthathira would be deported six years into his 12-year prison term.

Avon and Somerset Police said the attack happened between 23:00 GMT and 05:00 on 11 October.

Chinthathira had approached the woman – a stranger to him – in the street after noticing that she seemed upset, the court was told.

He then bought beer from a nearby shop and took the woman, aged in her 30s, to a secluded bench where he “plied” her with alcohol, the court heard.

Det Con Amanda Johnson described it as a “disturbing case” in which Chinthathira targeted a “vulnerable woman”.

“While he at first seemed to be friendly, it seems clear his behaviour was planned and predatory. During the sustained assault she was in fear for her life,” Johnson said.

“When confronted with his crime, he initially denied it, but the evidence was so compelling he was forced to enter a guilty plea in court.

“I would like to recognise the woman for resolutely supporting an investigation which has taken someone who poses a clear risk to women and girls off our streets.

“I must also thank the members of the public who helped the victim, and those who came forward with information after our initial appeal,” Johnson added.