Rapist's sentence increased after victim returns

Randy Ayor abused three women he had relationships with after he met them at work

A rapist has been given an extended jail term thanks in part to one of his victims giving evidence against him for a second time.

The Crown Prosecution (CPS) said Randy Ayor, 22, physically, sexually and emotionally abused three women with whom he started relationships after he met them through work.

Ayor was found not guilty of rape against the first accuser earlier this year but Leicester Crown Court heard he abused two further women within weeks of the verdict and she was invited to give evidence again.

After being convicted of rape and assault against the second and third woman in April, he was sentenced on Thursday to 22 years in prison plus a three-year extension.

The CPS said the first woman described how Ayor, from Leicester, became friendly towards her, helping her with car issues over a weekend but tricked her into coming back to his flat after a night out with friends.

She made an allegation of rape and assault but Ayor was acquitted by a jury.

However within weeks of the acquittal, Ayor attacked two further women, switching abruptly from "being charming and caring, to being violent".

The CPS said he continued his emotional abuse by controlling what they wore, who they spoke to and refusing to let them get away from him.

Ayor was brought before court for a second time and stood trial in April.

'Abhorrent crimes'

Although Ayor had been acquitted of the rape of the first woman, she was able to give her account to a jury again, this time as bad character evidence, as her allegations were so similar to the others, the CPS said.

The allegations she made could not be the subject of further charges, due to there being no new evidence in her case, but the testimony she gave at the trial showed a "similar pattern of behaviour, which strengthened the prosecution's case" against Ayor.

The CPS said it must apply to the court to use bad character evidence and demonstrate it is relevant to the case and still consistent with giving the defendant a fair trial.

Ayor was jailed at Leicester Crown Court

After his trial in April, a jury found Ayor guilty of five counts of rape, one count of assault by penetration and one count of strangulation against the second woman.

He was also convicted of one count of rape, one count of false imprisonment, two counts of actual bodily harm, one count of assault by beating and one count of controlling or coercive behaviour against the third woman, with Ayor pleading guilty to one count of strangulation against her.

Charlotte Caulton-Scott, from the CPS, said: "Despite still being traumatised from their experiences, Ayor's victims persevered in giving evidence, revealing Ayor as the manipulator he truly is.

"Although Ayor was acquitted of crimes against her, the extraordinary resolve of the first complainant to give evidence in this trial, contributed to him facing the consequences of his abhorrent crimes."