RAPIST SENTENCED TO PRISON FOR ASSAULTING WOMAN WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES
Rapist Robbie Thurston has been returned to prison after assaulting and imprisoning a woman with learning disabilities.According to court reports, Thurston, aged 53 from Buxhall near Stowmarket, was involved in an incident at a property in Woodbridge on November 24, where he physically attacked the victim.
During the assault, he struck her on the shoulders and hands, twisted her arm, and pushed her to the ground, resulting in a dislocated shoulder, as well as bruising and head swelling.
He also took her house keys and mobile phone, refusing to let her leave, and held her down on a bed for hours, or overnight, with her describing the restraint as forceful.
The victim sustained broken fingers, bruises across her upper body, arms, and throat.
She reported the abuse to the police, who found her injuries and took her statement.
Thurston denied the charges initially, claiming the victim fell on her arm, but later admitted to grievous bodily harm and false imprisonment.
He was previously convicted of nine years for raping a woman near Ipswich in 1991 and has a criminal record comprising 163 offenses since 1982.
In court, he received a sentence of 40 months in prison and was barred from approaching his victim again.
Prosecutor Andrew Thompson and the judge emphasized Thurston's dangerous nature and the impact of his actions on the victim.
Thurston's defense acknowledged his behavior and expressed remorse.
The case was supported by police and partner agencies working with the victim to recover from her trauma.
