A BASINGSTOKE man has admitted raping a woman and using a poisonous substance which caused burns to her face.

Anthony Nish, of Falkland Road, administered ether to a woman in her 30s on July 26, 2018.

The woman sustained burn injuries to her face, which have since healed.

He also admitted raping the woman on a separate date in March 2018.

The 52-year-old has pleaded guilty to administering a noxious substance with intent to commit a sexual offence, and is due to be sentenced at Salisbury Crown Court on December 23.

He also admitted assault on a police officer who was affected by the substance after attending the scene.

The officer suffered breathing issues but has since recovered fully. He no longer works for Hampshire Constabulary.

Nish had been due to stand trial for the offences when he appeared at Salisbury Crown Court on November 23 but he pleaded guilty to the above offences on the first day.

It comes after Nish, along with eight others, was sent to prison last week after admitting to county lines conspiracy in Basingstoke as part of a drugs cartel run by a man named Nemo.

Anthony Nish played a significant role in that he drove key members of the networks around between London, Luton, Reading and Basingstoke to pick up and deal drugs using his own cars and hiring vehicles. He also received cash deposits to pay for hire cars and was said to have been involved in dealing drugs himself.

Nish admitted six offences of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs. He was sentenced to three years and six months.