A rapist who attacked a 16-year-old girl was jailed for four years — as she described abuse that continues to haunt her every day.

Donald “Don” Whatton, 21, of Herbert Avenue, Poole, was sentenced at Winchester Crown Court on October 13 after being found guilty of two counts of rape and an assault.

He was 18 when he committed the offences.

The teenage victim, who cannot legally be identified, described feeling like a punching bag during the relationship. Her statement detailed crying, struggling and trying to resist as he subjected her to abuse.

“You may get a small sentence, but I have a life sentence with the suffering inside my head.”

She told the court that Whatton had destroyed her confidence and left her humiliated. She also described him mocking the self-harm she said his abuse had caused.

According to the victim, Whatton smiled in the dock and leaned back with his hands behind his head when sentenced. She said the judge had described him as showing no remorse.

Her mother said the attacks had profoundly damaged her daughter’s life, changing how she viewed herself and other people and making it difficult for her to trust.

But the young woman made clear why she had spoken out: to protect others.

“This isn’t justice for me. This is me protecting other innocent women.”