A former bus driver who raped a 16-year-old girl and sexually assaulted several women, including girls under 16, has been sentenced to more than 15 years in jail.

James Gilbert (26) looked at the floor as Judge Catherine Fooks read out the sentences and the details of his offences.

Gilbert, who was 24 and 25 at the time of the offences, had raped a 16-year-old girl three times – on one occasion inviting her to his house share and pinning her down on his bed, before restraining her with ties and having sex with her against her will.

She repeatedly asked him to stop, but was told by Gilbert she “liked it” and to stop being “dramatic”.

Gilbert had previously groomed the girl, including buying her presents and a nail treatment, paying her compliments, and threatening to spread rumours about her if she told anyone.

In a victim statement, the girl said it was the “most terrifying experience of her life”, causing her fear, physical pain and injuries, and leading to significant mental health issues.

Previously a shy but happy girl, she was now “uneasy round men and struggling to trust others”, the court heard.

‘Scrubbed skin to wash away memories’

Gilbert also sexually assaulted two 15-year-old girls using force, who he also groomed.

One of the children said in her victim statement that she had “scrubbed her skin to erase memory of [Gilbert’s] hands on her”.

She blamed herself for Gilbert’s crimes, and was “no longer the person she used to be”.

The other girl’s mother said her daughter was “struggling, suffering from panic attacks and anxiety”, and was scared about using public transport.

A formerly “bubbly and confident” girl, she was “robbed of her innocence” and now needed medication to sleep and had needed “weeks of therapy”.

It also overshadowed her exams, her mother added, though she was able to take them.

Gilbert also sexually assaulted an adult woman, by touching her over her clothes.

Judge Fooks said he had displayed a “pattern of offending, grooming by befriending, and use of threats”.

The court also heard that, while he eventually admitted to his crimes, he had not done so at the earliest opportunity.

Gilbert’s sentence of 15 years and six months will be dated from 23 October 2025.

Once released he will be subject to a series of conditions, including not being able to have contact with children under 16 or use a smartphone or other internet-enabled device without permission.

He will also be under a notification order that will run until April 2041.