A SERIAL rapist who preyed on Bournemouth’s prostitutes for six years was finally brought to justice yesterday when he was jailed for life.

Gene Benjamin, 53, held his victims prisoner for days at a time, strangling them into unconsciousness before repeatedly raping and beating them.

One woman was six months pregnant and another was attacked with a claw hammer. Others were threatened with knives and an axe.

Following a two-month trial at Bournemouth Crown Court, Benjamin from Belle Vue Road, Southbourne, was convicted of raping six women, eight assaults and wounding with intent between January, 2004 and February, 2010.

Jurors heard how his victims had been aged between 18 and 40 years.

Despite terrorising a Boscombe community, including sex workers and drug users, Benjamin got away with his vile and vicious crimes for years because his victims were too petrified to go to the police.

Attacks were carried out at 15 different locations, often when other people were in the same premises.

Defending Benjamin, Andrew Turton said his client suffered from chronic heart disease and relied on a cocktail of medication.

He added: “We heard a lot of bad things about Mr Benjamin during this trial but we also heard some good things. He is now facing serving his mid to elderly years in prison.”

Bearded Benjamin showed no emotion as he was sentenced.

Judge Samuel Wiggs told him: “You preyed on the prostitutes of Bournemouth. You were in their community and used intimidation and violence on them.

“They are entitled to the protection of the law just as much as any other person.”

Judge Wiggs branded Benjamin ‘a significant risk to members of the public’ and said he would serve 11 years behind bars before he would be considered for release.

The officer in the case, Detective Sergeant Lindsay Dudfield , who was earlier commended by Judge Wiggs for her ‘outstanding detective work’, said: “I’m pleased with the sentence.

“Gene Benjamin is an incredibly dangerous man and this ensures the safety of Dorset residents.”

She added: “I commend the bravery of the women who gave evidence.

“We hope this conviction sends out a reassuring message to victims of violent and sexual crimes that they should have the confidence to report offences to the police and that they will be taken seriously, investigated thoroughly and justice will be done.”