An Army reservist has been jailed for seven years for sexually assaulting cadets as young as 17.

Jan Ross, 27, of Bridle Road, Shirley, abused two young women "he believed would be too scared to report him" between November 2013 and January 2014.

His victims, aged 17 and 23, were all part of Army cadet units in south London, where Ross was responsible for training and development, according to the Metropolitan Police.

Ross was jailed at Croydon Crown Court after being found guilty yesterday of rape and two counts of sexual assault. 

He was found not guilty of sexually assaulting a third woman.

His conviction comes just days after Army recruitment sergeant Edwin Mee was convicted of raping and sexually assaulting young female cadets at Croydon's Mitcham Road barracks.

Last week: Army recruiter Edwin Mee guilty of sexually attacking cadets in Croydon

The two cases are not linked.

Detective Inspector Nicola Arrowsmith, of the Metropolitan Police's sexual offences, exploitation, and child abuse unit, said: "Jan Ross held a role that enabled him to target young women he believed would be too scared to report him."

Your Local Guardian:

Edwin Mee is facing jail for sexually assaulting Army cadets at the Croydon barracks in Mitcham Road

She added: "I would like to commend the victims for the courage and patience they have shown throughout this investigation and subsequent trial.

"This case highlights the determination of the Met Police to thoroughly investigate allegations of this nature.

"I would encourage any victim of serious sexual assault to report the matter to police; we have trained specialist officers to deal with your allegations."

Mee, 46, formerly of Tavistock Road, Croydon, is due to be sentenced on June 12 for 16 counts of sexual abuse on vulnerable cadets as young as 15 between January and September 2011.

His crimes include two rapes, one count of assault by penetration, and 13 sexual assaults.