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39-year-old former children’s TV presenter, Paul ‘Des’ Ballard has been jailed after being found guilty in July of raping a lady in a hotel room.
He reportedly attacked the woman in a hotel room in Hatfield Heath, Essex, on September 19 last year.
His terrified victim managed to escape the room and informed a member of staff about the attack who called the police. Ballard denied raping and threatening the victim, claiming that they had consensual sex.
Ballard, who told the woman “you’re dying tonight” while raping her, was found guilty of rape, attempted rape, assault, criminal damage, and threats to kill. He was handed a 10 year jail sentence by a Chelmsford Crown Court. Detective Constable Dan Lambert who led the investigation said:
“Today, Ballard has been sentenced to ten years in jail after subjecting the woman to a terrifying ordeal.
“Our priority throughout this investigation has been ensuring her welfare and securing justice for her. The strength she has shown has been remarkable throughout.
“As a force, we take crimes against women and girls extremely seriously and I very proud to have played a part in securing justice for Ballard’s victim and he will now spend a significant amount of time behind bars as a result.
“I want to again pay tribute to the bravery shown by the victim in this case.
“No one should ever have to go through the ordeal she has endured but I hope there is some comfort in the knowledge that her attacker is now behind bars for some time.”
The convict starred on GMTV’s programme Diggit from 1998 to 2002 with Fearne Cotton, Craig Doyle, and Reggie Yates.
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