Rasbert Turner, Star Writer

A St Catherine man was sentenced to 20 years' hard labour in the St Catherine Circuit Court on Tuesday after he was found guilty of rape.

Daniel Ralston, 38-year-old labourer of Spanish Town, St Catherine, was before the court on rape and grievous sexual assault charges.

When the matter came up before Justice Crescentia Brown-Beckford, it was revealed that Ralston had 10 previous convictions.

The records showed five sexual assault offences in the United Kingdom (where he resided for some time) and five for housebreaking and larceny since returning home four years ago.

Justice Brown Beckford sentenced him to 20 years for rape, plus 10 years for grievous sexual assault.

The sentences are to run concurrently. therefore, Ralston will serve 20 years' imprisonment.

The Crown led evidence that, in 2012, the complainant was at home when the accused broke into her dwelling. on entering, he held her against her will and proceeded to rape her.

After the ordeal, the complainant reported the matter to the police.

An investigation was conducted. Ralston was arrested and charged with rape and grievous sexual assault.