A Hayes man has finally been brought to justice and jailed after raping two women at gunpoint and leaving them “traumatised”, a decade ago.

Marek Tokar, 33, of no fixed abode, but from the Hayes area, was sentenced to 14 years' imprisonment on Thursday (December 10) at Isleworth Crown Court after being found guilty of two counts of rape and firearms offences.

Tokar was arrested earlier this year by detectives from the Met's Sexual Offences Exploitation and Child Abuse Command after DNA evidence linked him with the violent attacks.

The court heard how, in the early hours of 26 May 2005, a man attacked a 29-year-old woman on Beaconsfield Road in Southall .

He threatened her with a gun and raped her before stealing her phone and some money.

The woman reported the attack later that day and was seen by specialist officers who took her to a Haven, which provides urgent and follow-up care to people who have been sexually assaulted or raped

DNA evidence from an unidentified man was recovered.

A month later, on June 24, a 26-year-old woman contacted police and stated that while she had been waiting for a bus, a man had engaged her in conversation before grabbing her by the arms. He produced a firearm and forced her on to Springfield Road, Hayes , where he raped her.

She was seen at a Haven, and further DNA evidence was recovered.

Officers carried out a lengthy investigation but were unable to identify a suspect. The cases and forensic evidence remained on police file.

But on June 5 this year, Tokar was arrested for unrelated matters whilst trying to leave the country. His DNA was linked with the rapes and he was charged two days later.

Tokar was found guilty on November 13 of two counts of rape and two counts of possession of an imitation firearm.

Detective Inspector Simon Ellershaw, said: "This case highlights that no matter how much time has passed, perpetrators should never rest easy.

"The Met remains determined to track down offenders and the continued advancement in forensic sciences is aiding us to bring people before the courts.

"Tokar left his victims traumatised, but I hope that today's sentencing brings them some relief from the knowledge that the man who attacked them has been caught and is now in prison.

"I would always encourage any victims of sexual offences to contact police so that they can receive the appropriate support."