Man jailed for 13 years after raping woman at knifepoint

A man has been jailed after being found guilty of rape, sexual assault and controlling and coercive behaviour.

Sam Knight, 38, from Swindon, was on Thursday (13/10) sentenced to 13 years behind bars plus another four years on extended licence following a trial at Swindon Crown Court last month.

In May last year, Knight raped the victim after holding a knife to her neck and demanding sex from her.

On another occasion, Knight sexually assaulted her.  

Knight also attempted to control the victim’s life, threatening that he would throw acid in her face, not allowing her to see her friends and family, taking her phone from her so she was unable to contact anyone and forcing her to wear clothes he had bought for her.

Knight pleaded guilty to controlling and coercive behaviour, but denied the rape and sexual assault, forcing the victim to relive the experience through the courts.

However, the jury found Knight guilty on one count of rape and sexual assault, and the sentence means he will be behind bars for the foreseeable future.

Knight’s behaviour came to light after the victim bravely approached a police officer about it in public, and he was arrested shortly after.

Following the sentencing, Det Con Corrina Wiltshire, of Swindon CID, said: “This was a traumatic time for the victim, and this conviction and sentence shows we will not take lightly any incidents of domestic violence and abuse.

“Knight was a serial offender, making the victim’s life miserable for his own gratification and subjecting her to his cruel behaviour.

“I would like to take this opportunity to commend her for her bravery in reporting the incidents to the police initially, and for her openness in discussing what must have been an incredibly difficult experience for her.

“Knight has now been jailed for 13 years, and I hope this sends a powerful message to victims of rape or sexual assault that we will do all we can to support them and ensure perpetrators are put before the courts.”

• Wiltshire Police would always urge victims of sexual offences to report these to the police. You can do this by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency.
• Victims can also seek support and counselling from the Swindon and Wiltshire Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) - they can be contacted on the helpline 01793 781916.