NEWPORT MAN JAILED FOR REPEATED RAPE AND THREATS WITH AN AXE
A violent man identified as David Seaborne has been convicted of multiple heinous crimes, including seven counts of rape and making threats to kill his victim.The court heard that he repeatedly raped the woman and left her feeling 'dead inside'.
He threatened her with an axe, telling her, 'I could chop you up and no-one would find you', which caused her immense psychological trauma.
The victim's personal statement revealed that she was terrified for her life, begging him to stop as she felt 'dead inside' and feared he would kill her.
She described her transformation from a bubbly, outgoing individual to someone who now jumps at shadows, feeling constantly unsafe and haunted by his threats.
The court was told that Seaborne ‘threatened and belittled’ the victim during these attacks.
In mitigation, it was explained that he recognized he faced a long prison sentence and that he had a difficult upbringing, including being a victim and witness of domestic violence.
It was also noted that he has mental health issues and self-medicates with amphetamine.
Judge Carl Harrison described the victim’s suffering as 'severe psychological harm' and acknowledged Seaborne's previous convictions for violence.
He was declared a dangerous offender under the law and sentenced to 20 years in prison with an extended licence period of five years.
Furthermore, a restraining order was issued against Seaborne, preventing contact with the victim indefinitely.
