MICHAEL STEER

BLACKWOOD MAN JAILED FOR BRUTAL RAPE AND ABUSE

Michael Steer, aged 37 and from Argoed near Blackwood, was found guilty by a jury following a trial of two counts of rape.

During the assault, he told the woman who was resisting sex: “Actually, you’ll enjoy it in a minute,” and also said during one of the sexual assaults: “Don’t fight me.” The rape lasted about 10 minutes.

Judge Celia Hughes told Steer, who was a heavy drinker, that he was abusing alcohol and that he had an inflated sense of self.

She also noted the conclusion of his probation report stating: “You have a lack of respect for women and for their autonomy – you will have a long time in custody to consider your attitude towards women.” Steer was sentenced to six years and six months in prison, with a requirement to serve two-thirds of the sentence before release on license.

He is also required to register as a sex offender for an indefinite period and was issued a 10-year restraining order not to contact the victim.

The court was told that the victim felt worthless and broken, and she had expressed relief at reporting the incident, though she still experiences flashbacks and anxiety.

His legal representation requested concurrent sentences, noting he had no previous convictions and highlighting a delay of over three years between reporting and being charged.

Dr.

Donnison, the prosecutor, emphasized the impact on the victim's wellbeing.

The judge emphasized the victim's unwillingness to have sex and described Steer’s behavior as a clear abuse of her autonomy.