A FORMER Longleat Safari Park miniature railway worker was jailed for 12 years for raping a girl and indecently assaulting two sisters, with the judge describing him as “knowing no boundaries”.

Glyn Ballard, 50, who worked at Longleat between 2005 and 2013, was convicted of one count of rape, seven counts of indecent assault, one sexual assault on a girl under 16, and having sex with a minor.

The charges related to incidents in the 1980s, when Ballard sexually assaulted the sisters, and another incident in which he raped a 15-year-old between May 2004 and January 2005.

Winchester Crown Court heard Ballard, of High Street, Warminster, sexually assaulted and threatened two daughters of an acquaintance in 1982. The eldest was 10 when the abuse started.

Defending Ballard, Fern Russell said: “Mr Ballard was very young when this happened – 17, 18, 19. He has not offended in any form for 10 years.

"Whether this is something Mr Ballard has worked upon or his personality has sufficiently developed away from offending is to be considered.”

Prosecutor Philip Warren read out impact statements from the three victims. 

One said: “Being sexually abused as a child has caused me problems throughout life. I have had depression and counselling, and at the worst point I tried to commit suicide.”

Another read: “Being raped has affected my ability to make friends and relationships, I do not trust anyone and put barriers up.

"It also causes me problems if someone gets too close to me, physically or touches me and I freeze and it brings back memories of what happened.”

Jailing Ballard, Judge Guy Boney QC said: “The bottom line is you know no boundaries where sex is concerned, apart from your own gratification.”

Detective Constable Dave Topp said afterwards: "We are satisfied with the result and we hope it will encourage other victims to come forward regardless of when offences were committed against them."

Anyone who has been the victim of sexual abuse can contact Wiltshire Police on 101 or call the Sexual Assault referral Centre on 0808 168 0024. This service is free, confidential and advisors can provide information and support to victims.