Redruth man jailed for rapes and sex offences
A 34-year-old man from Redruth has been jailed for 18 years for a number of violent rapes.
Matthew James Gardner, 34, was found guilty after a trial in January at Truro Crown Court of 14 charges including nine counts of rape, assault by penetration and four other charges.
At the sentencing hearing on Thursday 19 September he was sentenced to 18 years, of which he must serve at least two thirds, and told he must sign the sex offenders’ register for life.
Over the course of the trial the jury heard that Gardner operated using fear over his victim.
He raped his victim despite her being unwell during one of the numerous attacks.
During another incident he forced a sock in her mouth and raped her.
The attacks were physically violent and degrading and left the victim in immense pain.
Gardner insisted that all the sexual encounters were completely consensual.
Detective Constable Joanne Sodergren and Detective Constable Emma Sandry of Devon and Cornwall Police, the officers in the case, said: “We are pleased that Matthew Gardner has now been sentenced and the victim has some closure and can start to look to the future without fear.
“We would both like to express our sincere gratitude and admiration to the victim for her sheer courage and resilience throughout.
“Without her engagement and patience, we would have been unable to achieve justice for her. It is thanks to her bravery that other women will be protected from harm. She is a remarkable and truly inspirational lady.”
Support available
If you or someone you know has been a victim of rape or sexual assault, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency. You can also report information and crimes on our website.
Alternatively, you can report information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
There are lots of organisations and support agencies available across Devon and Cornwall that can help provide support.
For more information on rape and serious sexual assault and the support services available, please visit our support pages by clicking here.
Advice and support is also offered by our partner agencies:
• National Rape Crisis Helpline 0808 802 9999
• Victim Care Unit (Devon and Cornwall) 01392 475900
• Devon and Cornwall Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC) 0300 3034626
Victim care
If you have been affected by crime, please visit Home - Victim Care Devon & Cornwall (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 08 08 16 89 111 or Devon and Cornwall Police’s Victim Care Unit on 01392 475900.
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