A man will spend more than a decade behind bars after being found guilty of rape, sexual assault and controlling and coercive behaviour.
Sam Knight, 38, from Swindon, was on Thursday (13/10) sentenced to 13 years imprisonment plus another four years on extended licence following a trial at Swindon Crown Court last month.
In May last year, Knight – who was in a relationship with the victim – raped the victim after holding a knife to her neck and demanding sex from her.
On another occasion, while the victim was sleeping, Knight sexually assaulted her.
Knight also attempted to control the victim’s life, threatening that he would throw acid in her face, not allowing her to see her friends and family, taking her phone from her so she was unable to contact anyone and forcing her to wear clothes he had bought for her.
Knight pleaded guilty to controlling and coercive behaviour, but denied the rape and sexual assault, forcing the victim to relive the experience through the courts.
However, the jury found Knight guilty of one count of rape and sexual assault, and the sentence means he will be behind bars for the foreseeable future.
Knight’s behaviour came to light after the victim bravely approached a police officer about it in public, and he was arrested shortly after.
Following the sentencing, DC Corrina Wiltshire, of Swindon CID, said: “This was a traumatic time for the victim, and this conviction and sentence shows we will not take lightly any incidents of domestic violence and abuse.
“Knight was a serial offender, making the victim’s life miserable for his own gratification and subjecting her to his cruel behaviour.
“I would like to take this opportunity to commend her for her bravery in reporting the incidents to the police initially, and for her openness in discussing what must have been an incredibly difficult experience for her.
“Knight has now been jailed for 13 years, and I hope this sends a powerful message to victims of rape or sexual assault that we will do all we can to support them and ensure perpetrators are put before the courts.”
