A young woman has spoken of regaining her freedom after her former partner, Kane Walker, was jailed for a string of violent and controlling offences, including rape. Walker, 21, formerly of County Road in Swindon, was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court yesterday to nine years and nine months in prison.
Walker was found guilty last month of rape, sexual assault and controlling and coercive behaviour following a jury trial. He also admitted possessing extreme pornography. The sentence marks the conclusion of an investigation that began in March last year, when the victim reported that she had been assaulted and subjected to persistent coercion.
In her Victim Personal Statement, read in court with her permission, she described a life once lived under fear and surveillance, explaining that she now feels able to make choices without worrying about the consequences.
“I feel safer that he isn’t here,” she said. “Knowing he will be behind bars, I feel free to go and do what I please. If he wasn’t locked up, I’d be paranoid, checking over my shoulder, scared about what he may do.”
She added that she is now exploring an apprenticeship and reconnecting with her family, something she believes would not have been possible had she remained tied to him. “I now wear what I want, dress how I want and do what I want. I have freedom and a weight has been lifted.”
The court heard that Walker secretly tracked her movements by placing an Airtag in her bag, repeatedly activated her live location without her knowledge, and dictated what she wore and who she could see. He was arrested the day after the initial report.
Only two days later, while on bail, he attempted to intimidate her into dropping the case and set fire to a BMW belonging to one of her family members. He was jailed for arson and witness intimidation in November last year, before further charges were brought following a detailed CID investigation.
Major Crime Investigator Catherine Baird described the case as deeply concerning, noting that Walker relied heavily on intimidation and humiliation to maintain control. She said digital evidence had been crucial, revealing recordings of him abusing and threatening the victim, as well as search history pointing to harmful obsessions.
She praised the survivor’s extraordinary courage throughout the process.
“She stood on the stand knowing complete strangers had seen digital private material of her,” Baird said. “I cannot comprehend how difficult that must have been. Justice has been served because of her bravery. She stood up against evil and has come out feeling free.”
