Man sentenced to 23 years for torturing and raping woman

Claire Harden-Frost successfully prosecuted the defendant who uses the stage name DVS and is a grime artist.  He was sentenced to an extended 23 year sentence yesterday for crimes including rape and false imprisonment.

The victim was subjected to a 3 day ordeal during which he repeatedly assaulted her, burnt her torso and legs with an iron and raped her.  The offending ended when she escaped his flat.  Despite being naked and terrified she took an opportunity when it came and ran for her life.  She was pursued by the defendant but helped by a member of the public who called the police. 

She sustained horrendous injuries but was able to tell the police what had happened to her and the defendant was arrested and charged.

The defendant pleaded guilty on the second day of his trial.  Yesterday HHJ Lafferty sitting at Snaresbrook Court found the defendant dangerous and sentenced him to a total sentence of 23 years. 

The police rightly paid tribute to the bravery of the victim, see the link to BBC press coverage here

Claire acted for the Crown Prosecution Services.