A GARAGE owner has been jailed after admitting sexually assaulting a client before intimidating her into dropping the charges against him.

Robert Parke, who owned the former RP Autos in Brierley Hill, sexually assaulting a woman in May 2016, after she bought a car from his garage.

He then continued to harass the woman - even after she reported the assault to police - by intimidating her and forcing her to sign a false statement, dropping the charges against him.

Parke, of Valmour, Pensnett, then tried to evade justice by moving addresses around the country.

But his luck ran out after West Midlands Police placed him on its most wanted website, leading him to finally hand himself in.

The 52-year-old was sent to prison for four years and four months after pleading guilty to sexual assault and perverting the course of justice, when he appeared at Wolverhampton Crown Court.

The sentence also included three unconnected counts of sexual activity to which Parke also pleaded guilty.

He was placed on the sex offenders register for life.

Detective Constable Mike Clarke, from the force's sexual offence team, said: "This man abused his position to prey on a woman who had bought a car from his garage.

"He then intimidated her and harassed her into dropping the charges.

"Now he has been put behind bars and will be placed on the sex offender register for life."

He continued: "I would like to take the opportunity to commend this woman's bravery in coming forward initially and then throughout the investigation.

"I hope today's sentence will bring her some comfort as she continues to recover from her ordeal.

"I would like to take this opportunity to urge any other people who wish to report offences to come forward.

"We treat all reports of sexual assault very seriously and have a team of specially trained officers who can help and support those affected throughout the entire process.

"There are a range of support services available, not just from police, but a raft of other agencies."

For more information, visit www.west-midlands.police.uk/advice-centre/help-and-advice/rape-and-sexual-violence/index.aspx.