A rape victim has been praised for her bravery following the sentencing of her assailant, the Sholing Rapist, Luke Cromar, to nine years in prison.
Luke Cromar was jailed at Winchester Crown Court on Friday after being convicted of two acts of rape, one crime of assault by penetration, and two counts of coercive and controlling behaviour.
The court was informed that the 30-year-old, Luke Cromar, perpetrated an assault on his victim during an incident in January in Southampton.
The painter and decorator, Luke Cromar, from Bramley Crescent, Sholing, first refuted the charges but was found guilty following his victim’s testimony throughout the trial.
She has received commendation for her bravery in disclosing the events that transpired.
Detective Constable Marie Leather, who led the investigation, said: “Luke Cromar’s prolonged period of abuse, violence and coercive and controlling behaviour, which spanned two years in total, has understandably had a severe impact on the victim, which will stay with her forever.
“While nothing can take that away, I hope this sentence helps her move forward, knowing that Luke Cromar is now behind bars.
“Coercive and controlling behaviour is an act or pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim.
“This controlling behaviour is often designed to make a person dependent by isolating them from support, exploiting them, depriving them of independence and regulating their everyday behaviour.
“I am so grateful to the victim and commend her courage in coming forward and reporting what had been happening to her.
“Her bravery throughout the investigation and criminal justice process has helped us put Luke Cromar in jail for his actions.
“If you have been the victim of rape, sexual abuse, coercive and controlling behaviour, or any form of domestic abuse, please don’t suffer in silence – please report it to us. You will be listened to, and you will be supported.”
Luke Cromar was also handed a restraining order and a 15-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
If you are a survivor of domestic abuse in Southampton, Yellow Door, a local charity, can offer you a range of help and support. You can visit their website at yellowdoor.org.uk or contact them on 023 8063 6312.
For more information on the support available and how to report to the police, visit: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/advice/rape-sexual-assault-and-other-sexual-offences/rape-sexual-assault-support/
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.