A MAN who raped a teenage girl and a woman has been locked up indefinitely under a sentence for public protection.

Thomas Cox will have to serve a minimum of six-and-a-half years in jail before being considered for release.

A judge told the 41-year-old, of London Road, Ditton, near Maidstone: “I am satisfied you are in denial and have little understanding of the impact of your offending on your victims.”

Maidstone Crown Court heard that in December 2004 Cox had been jailed for 18 months for sexually assaulting the teenager. After his release he attacked the girl again.

Andrew Espley, prosecuting, said Cox had threatened the girl, telling her he knew people who could kill.

Cox raped the second victim on his birthday in August 2006. He threatened to kill her if she went to the police.

Cox denied two charges of raping the teenager and one of raping the woman, but was convicted.

Judge Philip Statman said both victims had been vulnerable. He told Cox: “You continue to this day to protest your innocence. You have shown no remorse.

“I am satisfied you merit a sentence for public protection. I have no doubt you remain a significant risk of serious harm.”

The judge said Cox had re-offended despite a period of imprisonment and completion of a sex offender programme, showing a marked escalation in his conduct.

If a determinate sentence had been passed, it would have been 13 years. Eight months Cox had spent in custody on remand would be deducted from the indeterminate sentence.

He will remain on the sex offenders' register and on licence for life.