A FORMER professional cricketer has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for rape.

Father-of-three Dion Taljard, an ex-first class South Africa player, was found guilty of 19 counts of rape, as well as two counts of indecent assault by a jury following a trial last month.

He was also convicted of one count of witness intimidation at Manchester’s Minshull Street Crown Court.

The 47-year-old, who had denied all wrongdoing, was an all-rounder and played professional cricket in South Africa for Border, a team within the country’s first-class set up, as well as at a number of clubs in Greater Manchester after he moved to the UK.

Cricket teams Taljard played for included Tonge Cricket Club in Bolton, Unsworth Cricket Club in Bury, and Royton Cricket Club in Oldham.

Prosecuting, Nicholas Clarke told how Taljard’s victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has nightmares and has sought counselling following his offending.

He added that the victim was in fear, and had to take time off work due to stress and ill health.

During the sentencing hearing on Wednesday, Mr Clarke referred to Taljard as a ‘serial rapist’.

Defending, Stella Massey said nine testimonials had been submitted to the court by Taljard’s supporters.

The court heard that Taljard is ‘highly thought of’ by many through his cricketing associations and is well known.

Addressing Taljard, Judge Maurice Greene said: “You had come from South Africa and you were a professional cricketer.

“You played professional cricket both in South Africa and in this country for various clubs locally and in Wales and Scotland.

“It is quite clear you are highly thought of by many people.”

The judge said Taljard, of Shaw Road, Royton, was described by those submitting testimonials as ‘trustworthy’, ‘honest’ and ‘decent’.

Judge Greene ruled that Taljard should not be classified as a ‘dangerous’ offender, where it is likely that defendants pose a significant risk of causing serious harm through further offending, so an extended sentence was not passed.

He added: “It seems to me that in these circumstances the length of sentence is sufficient to alleviate that risk, if indeed it exists. These are serious offences and a large number of offences, and only a lengthy custodial sentence is justified.”

He was ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life.

Taljard will serve half of his sentence in prison and remain on licence following his release.