RAPIST JAILED FOR 20 YEARS
A man from Bushey has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after subjecting his victim to an extended period of sexual and physical abuse that resulted in significant injuries.Joseph Wright appeared at St Albans Crown Court on Tuesday, March 31, where he was found guilty of four counts of rape, sexual assault by penetration, grievous bodily harm, two counts of coercive and controlling behaviour, threats to kill, and actual bodily harm.
The court was told during the trial that Wright, aged 28, engaged in a persistent pattern of abuse, control, and violence over a period stretching from 2020 to 2024.
The abuse started in March 2020, when Wright assaulted the victim, and continued the following month when he attacked her again while she was sitting in a parked car.
Police reported this as the beginning of a growing pattern of intimidation and dominance, which included physical kicks and verbal humiliations, leaving the woman feeling distressed and isolated.
In December 2022, an argument at the victim’s home escalated, resulting in injuries that have had a lasting impact on her.
She felt unable to seek help at the time due to the coercive control exerted by Wright.
Another violent incident occurred in 2024 during a public event, where the victim explained she downplayed the event when speaking to police, fearing Wright’s response if she told the full truth.
The victim ended the relationship on December 31, 2024.
Wright was later arrested on July 8, 2025, and was charged the next day by authorities.
