DOMINIC MCSTRAVICK SENTENCED IN BRIGHTON FOR RAPE AND ABUSE OF PREGNANT WOMAN

A man from Brighton, identified as Dominic McStravick, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after a series of heinous crimes involving a woman he subjected to rape, physical violence, and controlling behavior. The incident that led to his arrest and subsequent conviction began on the 12th of March, 2024, when police responded to a distress call from a property in Brighton. The caller, a woman in her 30s who was visibly injured, reported that she had been violently assaulted by a man who had forcibly taken her house keys and her mobile phone during the attack.

At the scene, officers discovered extensive damage throughout the residence, indicating a brutal confrontation. The woman, who was pregnant at the time, was visibly shaken and in need of immediate support. She was quickly taken into protective custody, and specialist officers provided her with the necessary care and psychological assistance. The attacker, identified as 29-year-old Dominic McStravick, had fled the scene but was swiftly apprehended by police later that day.

During the investigation, the victim revealed a disturbing pattern of abuse that dated back to October 2023. She disclosed that McStravick had repeatedly raped her and subjected her to severe violence, including an incident where he assaulted her into unconsciousness. She also reported that he had threatened her and her unborn child with a knife, further demonstrating the level of danger she faced. McStravick, who has no fixed address, sought to exert complete control over her life, using threats, violence, and intimidation to dominate her.

Following his arrest, McStravick was formally charged with multiple offenses, including rape, intentional strangulation, coercive and controlling behavior, making threats to kill, causing actual bodily harm, theft, assault, and two counts of criminal damage. He was remanded in custody and initially pleaded not guilty to the charges of rape and intentional strangulation. However, he entered guilty pleas for the remaining charges. The case proceeded to trial at Lewes Crown Court, where on August 16, 2024, he was found guilty of both rape and intentional strangulation, in addition to the charges he had previously admitted.

On January 28, at Brighton Crown Court, McStravick was sentenced to 15 years in prison, with an additional five years to be served on extended licence. The court also imposed an indefinite restraining order preventing him from contacting or approaching both the victim and her child, ensuring their ongoing safety. The investigation was led by Detective Constable Steve Bevis, who emphasized the brutality of McStravick’s actions and the bravery of the victim. He stated, “Dominic McStravick subjected his victim to months of suffering and torment. Through extreme levels of physical and sexual violence, he sought to control all aspects of her life. Even her young daughter was not safe. But he underestimated the courage of this brave woman, who reported his monstrous crimes to the police. He was in custody the same day. I would like to thank the victim for her strength and determination throughout this investigation, which has helped put a dangerous man behind bars. I hope she and her daughter can now find the peace to recover from their ordeals and move on with their lives in safety.”

Detective Superintendent Andy Harbour also commented on the case, highlighting the importance of addressing violence against women and girls. He said, “This victim-survivor’s harrowing ordeal and inspiring bravery are reminders of why tackling violence against women and girls is so important. Sussex Police is focused on protecting victims of violence and sexual offences, supporting them should the worst happen and doing all we can to bring offenders to justice. We know reporting to the police can feel daunting; that is why we have a broad range of discreet methods to make reporting as easy as possible, and specially trained officers and partners to offer the support victim-survivors need.”