Taunton Rapist Jailed for 12 Years
A 29-year-old man has been locked up for 12 years after raping a woman in Taunton’s Victoria Park.
Chilling Late-Night Attack
The horrific attack happened between 11pm on Friday, 10 October and 5am on Saturday, 11 October 2025. Police wasted no time, launching an urgent appeal for information on Sunday, 12 October. They arrested Manoj Chinthathira the same day.
Guilty Pleas, Heavy Sentence
At a hearing on 28 November 2025, Chinthathira, from Wilfred Road, Taunton, pleaded guilty to two counts of rape. Today, 8 January, Taunton Crown Court sentenced him to 12 years behind bars, with sentences running concurrently. He received a sentence reduction for his guilty plea.
His Honour Judge Stephen Climie warned Chinthathira will be deported after serving half of his sentence.
The Disturbing Details
Chinthathira targeted the victim, a woman in her thirties who was a stranger to him, after noticing she seemed upset. Police revealed he bought beer from a nearby shop and plied her with alcohol, luring her into a false sense of security.
Security footage captured the terrifying moment he threatened to rape her. The woman was heard begging, “please don’t.”
Chinthathira showed some remorse in court, hanging his head as the judge handed down the sentence.
