Swindon rapist jailed after ‘attempting to withdraw his guilty plea’

A former security guard from Swindon has been sentenced to four years and seven months in prison for raping his ex-partner.

Ricky Sparks, 43, was sentenced at Swindon Crown Court on Friday (July 5) after his application to convert his guilty plea to rape to a not guilty plea was rejected.

On December 28, 2021, Sparks raped his victim at her home address. He was charged with rape in December 2022 and pleaded guilty in early 2023.

Before the next hearing, however, Sparks accused his lawyer of pressuring him to plead guilty. At a hearing on May 3, 2024, Sparks’ motion to withdraw his guilty plea was denied.

Sparks, of Buckhurst Crescent, Walcot, was also placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely, given a restraining order and fined £190.

In a statement read out to the court, his victim said: “I am so grateful to Wiltshire Police, particularly Detective Constable Alex Doughty, and the Crown Prosecution Service for believing in me and supporting me.

“The relief I felt when his guilty plea was not overturned was immeasurable. I finally have my life back. I survived and can move on and become myself again.”

Detective Constable Alex Doughty said: “Mr Sparks did everything he could in this case to portray everyone else as liars and to make himself look victorious.

“Today I am happy that he was finally convicted as a rapist and sentenced to prison.

“His victim has shown incredible bravery throughout the police investigation and I admire her wholeheartedly for coming forward and reporting such a personal and cruel crime.

“I hope it inspires other victims to come forward and report it to the police.

“Please remember that there is support, including from the police. You are not alone.”