A Swindon man has been jailed after being found guilty of rape, sexual assault and controlling and coercive behaviour.
Sam Knight, 38, was sentenced on Thursday to 13 years in custody plus another four years on extended licence following a trial at Swindon Crown Court last month.
In May last year, Knight raped the victim after holding a knife to her neck and demanding sex from her.
On another occasion, Knight sexually assaulted her.
The court also heard that Knight used controlling and coercive behaviour to control the victim’s life, and threatened to throw acid in her face.
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 on 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, Det Con 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.”
