A MAN who raped three vulnerable women at a Gloucestershire care home was today sentenced to 20 years in jail.

Colin Stokes, 47, from St Georges Road, Dursley appeared at Gloucester Crown Court in January where he admitted three counts of rape against three women aged aged 32, 49 and 52 between January 2012 and April 2013.

Today on March 20 2014 he was sentenced to 20 years in jail. He will be jailed for 14 years with six years on license.

Gloucestershire Police thanked everyone involved in bringing the sentencing about, especially the person who first reported it to them.

"It took great courage but it brought to light one of the worst examples of the abuse of some of the most vulnerable people in our society," said a police spokesman.

"Stokes is now where he belongs and I know everyone is working to make sure these women have a safe future."

The families of the victims left a statement collectively.

"Stokes was in a position of trust and he was there to look after and protect these women. Not only did he betray that trust in their own home but he turned out to be a monster," they said.

"We would like to thank the police for the sensitive way they have handled this. But the fact is – this should never have happened.

"At the heart of this case are members of our family – sisters and daughters – and hearing about their suffering at the hands of Stokes has broken our hearts.

"We are relieved that he is now behind bars and can’t hurt anyone else. Our families will now try and move on from this and make sure the victims in this case have a safe and happy future."