A man has been jailed for four and a half years for indecent assaults on two men as they slept.

Dean Alexander Wilson, of Central Promenade, Douglas, was found guilty by a jury after a nine-day trial at the Court of General Gaol Delivery of three counts of indecent assault but not guilty of a fourth count.

Wilson, aged 27, was sentenced on Tuesday, when he was put on the Sex Offenders’ Register until further order.

Deemster Alastair Montgomerie said Wilson’s actions had ’a devastating effect’ on his victims.

’Both victims were totally and utterly defenceless, asleep in bed intoxicated,’ he said. ’Both men should have been safe in their beds, they were entitled to feel safe, but they were not safe from you.

’Your actions against these two young men have had a devastating effect.

’You will get your sentence and no doubt move on with your life. It could be said your victims have suffered a life sentence.’

The second assault took place at a flat in October 2017.

The victim, who was drunk, was found by police in a distressed state.

Officers then approached the first victim who said that Wilson had indecently assaulted him on two occasions when he was drunk.

Prosecutor Rachael Braidwood read out victim impact statements from both men.

The first victim said his physical and mental health had suffered since the assault and the trauma of having to give evidence at the trial.

He said his life was ’in turmoil’ and said his relationship with his girlfriend had ended since the incident.

He said he had warned the second victim about Wilson but he had not been believed.

The man said reporting the matter and going to trial had been the hardest thing he had ever done.

The second victim said:’It was horrendous to see Dean out and about before the trial, he seemed so carefree.’

He said he was suffering from anxiety and nightmares.

The man said he felt tremendously guilty about not believing the other victim.

Advocate Jim Travers said that mitigation was a ’somewhat difficult exercise’.

Wilson was said to be still maintaining his innocence.

Mr Travers said: ’Mr Wilson is still a relatively young man with no previous convictions before this. He has a strong academic and employment record. I would submit, on each occasion, a significant amount of alcohol had been taken by Mr Wilson.’

Deemster Montgomerie paid tribute to the two victims for their courage: ’It must have been extremely difficult to make complaints let alone pursue the complaints through court, but it was worth it. They have put a sex offender behind bars.

’Hopefully their courage act as an inspiration for others to come forward.’