A RAPIST who drugged and attacked men he met on dating app Grindr has been jailed.

Sam Ashley, 30, met the men before putting drugs including GHB, diazepam and zopiclone in the victim's drinks and attacking them.

Portsmouth Crown Court heard that Ashley met three of the men on the dating app and one at a rugby club and on one occasion gave drugs to a victim by pretending they were paracetamol or ibuprofen.

He pleaded not guilty to four charges of rape, four charges of administering a substance with intent, and two charges of attempted rape, but was found guilty in court.

Lindsay Pennell, a senior prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service in Wessex, said: "The Crown Prosecution Service worked closely with the police to build a strong case to include the victim’s accounts and expert evidence from a consultant toxicologist which saw the jury return guilty verdicts.

"I would like to commend the victims for their courage in coming forward and for supporting the prosecution."

Ashley, from Fareham, was jailed for 23 years.