A man found guilty of repeatedly raping a woman between 2016 and 2020 has been sentenced to 12 years in prison.

Nigel Geoffrey Lay, 56, previously of Barnes Close, West Wellow, was found guilty of four counts of rape and one count of coercive and controlling behaviour after a 12-day trial.

The victim, aged in her 50s, submitted a Victim Personal Statement to the court, which read in part: “The court case has been extremely difficult, especially sharing personal and embarrassing information. I found the strength to do so only that (he) would face his actions and accept responsibility for them.”

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Police staff investigator Keely Osborne, who worked on the case, said: “This is a case that will remain with me, and everyone else who worked on it, for a long time.

“The victim, who is vulnerable, has been so incredibly brave, as have her family and friends.

“Lay’s behaviour has left scars that are likely to remain for some time to come. I sincerely hope this sentence goes some way in helping the victim’s closure and recovery.”