Rapist who posed as 'police informant' to terrify his victim into silence jailed for 18 years

Richard Bennett, 46, of Lower Willingdon, Eastbourne, has been jailed for 18 years for raping, strangling and abusing a woman known to him. He kept the abuse hidden by falsely claiming to be a 'police informant' so she would be too frightened to seek help. Over years he beat her, threatened to kill her and sexually abused her, isolating her and forcing her to stay indoors.

Bennett 'impacted every part of her life', said DC Thomas, as his behaviour grew ever more threatening.

Specialist officers trained in domestic and sexual abuse cases stepped in to secure her safety and support.

Sentencing came on 18 September, seven months after charges were brought against Bennett on 12 February.