Gloucestershire rapist who threatened victim jailed for 12 years

Benjamin Timmins was found guilty of two rapes during at trial at Gloucester Crown Court

A rapist who told his victim he would burn her house down if she "snitched" on him has been jailed for 12 years.

Benjamin Timmins, 35, from Lydney, was sentenced earlier, after being convicted during a two-week trial at Gloucester Crown Court in September.

He was found guilty of two rapes, controlling and coercive behaviour, assault and intimidating a witness.

Timmins, who refused to attend court for sentencing, will be placed on the sex offenders' register for life.

The 35-year-old will be subject to a three-year supervision order on his release from prison.

At an earlier hearing, Timmins had also pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice and possessing cannabis.

Coercive control

Timmins initially used a false name when he met the victim as he was wanted by police.

He took money from her bank account with the promise he would pay her back and if she questioned him about it, he would accuse her of not being able to do simple maths, Gloucestershire Police said.

He assaulted the victim by placing her in a choke hold, causing her to lose consciousness and raped her on two occasions.

Timmins was arrested after the victim's friends noticed a change in her behaviour and became concerned that he posed a significant risk to her.

Despite being remanded in custody, he continued to try and manipulate and intimidate the woman, sending her letters from prison, threatening her that she would only be in trouble if she "snitched".

'No remorse'

Det Con Emma Jackson said the victim had "shown incredible strength and bravery".

She added: "Timmins has shown no remorse for his offending against her, refusing to attend sentencing, and has continued to try and intimidate her to prevent him being brought to justice.

"Coercive control is a relatively new criminal offence but one that we take extremely seriously."

Robert Readfern, prosecuting lawyer from the Crown Prosecution Service, said: "The victim really should be commended for her bravery in not only reporting the case but seeing it through to the end despite her clear fear of repercussions."