Bude man jailed for raping and abusing woman
A Cornish man has been jailed for 10 years as judge calls offending a ‘campaign of the most horrific abuse’.
Dylan Cathrae, aged 20, was found guilty of six offences by a jury following a trial at Truro Crown Court in October.
Cathrae, formerly of Swallow Close, Bude, appeared at court today where he was jailed for the following offences:
- Rape
- Two counts of assault by penetration
- Coercive and controlling behaviour
- Non-fatal strangulation
- Witness intimidation
Cathrae had previously pleaded guilty to a charge of harassment against a second victim.
In addition to jail time, he was given a restraining order against both victims.
At trial the court heard that it was reported to police that Cathrae had raped and sexually assaulted the victim, behaving in a physically and emotionally abusive manner toward her including putting cigarettes out on her.
Cathrae was interviewed by detectives on multiple occasions about the reports. When asked questions about the incidents he claimed that the reports of sexual offending were made up out of jealousy.
When officers put to him that his behaviour could be construed as ‘obsessive’ and ‘controlling’, he replied saying ‘…how’s that a bad thing?’.
Following a trial at Truro Crown Court in October, the jury found him guilty on all counts.
Sentencing him to 10 years in prison, the judge told him ‘This is one of the worst cases of coercive and controlling behaviour I have seen’
At the hearing today the victim read a statement to the court in which she said the crimes had ‘ruined my life’.
Investigating officer, DC Isla Ferguson said: “We welcome the sentence given and first and foremost I praise the victim for her strength and courage to report the crimes and support the criminal justice process.
“I hope that the outcome today may help her find some closure.
“I also hope that this case may encourage anyone who has been a victim of a sexual offence to come forward and report it so that we can investigate and take action against perpetrators.”
Support available
If you have been affected by this article there is support available.
You can visit victimcare-dc.org to access support services and information on your rights and how to navigate the criminal justice system.
You can also call Victim Support on 0808 1689 111 or Devon and Cornwall Police’s Victim Care Unit on 01392 475900.
Advice and support can also be found at:
National Rape Crisis Helpline 0808 802 9999
Devon and Cornwall Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC) 0300 3034626
For more information please visit: www.dc.police.uk/Rape-SexualAssault
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