A man who subjected a woman to six months of physical, mental, emotional and sexual abuse was jailed for nine and a half years after being found guilty of one count of rape and two counts of controlling or coercive behaviour when he appeared at Kingston Crown Court on Wednesday (27 February).

Richard Shaw, 44, of Frettons, Basildon, Essex, was also given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 15 years or until further order.

An investigation began after concerns were raised to police in October 2017 by the victim’s family that she was being isolated and controlled by Shaw. He was arrested shortly afterwards.

Commending the victim's bravery in giving evidence about the abuse she suffered, Detective Sergeant Kevin Furlonger said that Shaw was a "vicious, nasty bully who had shown absolutely no regard for the victim’s feelings".