Matthew James Gardner, A 34-year-old Rapist from Redruth, has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for many violent rapes and sexual assaults.
Matthew James Gardner, 34, was convicted in January at Truro Crown Court on 14 crimes, including nine counts of rape, assault by penetration, and four other offences.
During the sentencing hearing on Thursday, September 19, he received an 18-year term, with a requirement to serve a minimum of two-thirds, and was mandated to register as a sex offender for life.
Throughout the trial, the jury learnt that Matthew James Gardner employed intimidation against his victim.
Matthew James Gardner raped his victim despite her being unwell during one of the numerous attacks.
During another incident, Matthew James Gardner forced a sock into her mouth and raped her.
The attacks were physically violent and degrading and left the victim in immense pain.
Matthew James Gardner insisted that all the sexual encounters were utterly consensual.
Detective Constable Joanne Sodergren and Detective Constable Emma Sandry of Devon and Cornwall Police, the officers in the case, said: “We are pleased that Matthew James Gardner has now been sentenced and the victim has some closure and can start to look to the future without fear.
“We would both like to express our sincere gratitude and admiration to the victim for her courage and resilience.
“Without her engagement and patience, we would have been unable to achieve justice for her. Thanks to her bravery, other women will be protected from harm. She is a remarkable and truly inspirational lady.”
Support available
If you or someone you know has been a victim of rape or sexual assault, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency. You can also report information and crimes on our website.
Alternatively, you can report information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Many organisations and support agencies across Devon and Cornwall can help provide support.
For more information on rape and serious sexual assault and the support services available, please visit our support pages by clicking here.
Our partner agencies also offer advice and support:
- National Rape Crisis Helpline 0808 802 9999
- Victim Care Unit (Devon and Cornwall) 01392 475900
- Devon and Cornwall Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC) 0300 3034626
Victim care
If you have been affected by crime, please visit Home – Victim Care Devon & Cornwall (www.victimcare-dc.org) to access support services and information on your rights and how to navigate the criminal justice system. You can also call Victim Support on 08 08 16 89 111 or Devon and Cornwall Police’s Victim Care Unit on 01392 475900.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.