Smirking rapist subjected victim to 'campaign of horrific abuse'

SMIRKING RAPIST SUBJECTED VICTIM TO 'CAMPAIGN OF HORRIFIC ABUSE'

A rapist from Cornwall who physically and emotionally abused his victim, including stubbing out cigarettes on her, has been jailed.

Dylan Cathrae, 20, was found guilty of six offences, including rape and witness intimidation, by a jury at Truro Crown Court in October.

The court heard that police received reports Cathrae, formerly of Swallow Close in Bude, raped and sexually assaulted a woman and was both physically and emotionally abusive towards her.

When interviewed by detectives, Cathrae claimed the sexual offence reporting was made up out of jealousy.

When told by officers that his behaviour could be seen to be 'obsessive' and 'controlling' he answered: "...how's that a bad thing?" During his sentencing hearing today (November 6), the victim read a statement to the court in which she said the crimes had "ruined my life".

He was jailed for: Rape Two counts of assault by penetration Coercive and controlling behaviour Non-fatal strangulation Witness intimidation Cathrae had previously pleaded guilty to a charge of harassment against a second victim.

He was sentenced to 10 years in prison and has been given a restraining order against both victims.

The judge told Cathrae: "This is one of the worst cases of coercive and controlling behaviour I have seen." Investigating officer, DC Isla Ferguson, said: "We welcome the sentence given and first and foremost I praise the victim for her strength and courage to report the crimes and support the criminal justice process." "I hope that the outcome today may help her find some closure." "I also hope that this case may encourage anyone who has been a victim of a sexual offence to come forward and report it so that we can investigate and take action against perpetrators."