A woman who was repeatedly raped feared she would die after being strangled by her evil abuser. Lewys Manley, aged 30 and from Newport, was jailed for 12 years at Gloucester Crown Court.
His victim, who lives in Gloucestershire, screamed for help during one attack which led to nearby people calling the police. Manley was soon arrested and charged following an investigation by Gloucestershire Police’s Criminal Investigation Department.
Gloucester Crown Court heard how he hit the woman with a bottle and pushed his thumbs into her eyes. Manley admitted to two counts of assault and engaging in controlling behaviour, and was found guilty of five counts of rape and intentional strangulation.
On one occasion, Manley refused to wear a condom when the victim had asked him to. On another, he violently anally raped her after she consented to vaginal sex. The victim was left with injuries and extreme pain.
Manley was sentenced on December 2 to 12 years for each count of rape, 12 months for each count of assault and two and a half years for coercive and controlling behaviour, all to run concurrently. He was not given any credit for the three late guilty pleas.
Manley must serve at least eight years before he may be released on licence and he was given an indefinite restraining order. Due to the extreme nature of the harm caused by Manley, His Honour Judge Rupert Lowe made an exemption that only a further court order could remove the restraining order he imposed.
Lewys Manley
(Image: Gloucestershire Police)
The victim was in court to watch Manley get sentenced. A statement she wrote was read to the court in which she described the moment Manley strangled her.
She said: “When he strangled me on the sofa, I struggled to breathe, then as [he] pulled me up onto my feet by my throat and hair, I could see his eyes, they looked pure evil.
“His pupils were dilated and he was screaming he was going to stab me as he struck my torso in a stabbing motion. I honestly thought Lewys was going to kill me then and there…
“I think my body was in full ‘freeze’, but seconds later I managed to scream for help from the bottom of my lungs and shortly after police arrived. The thought of that morning makes me have panic attacks, which I struggle to control…
“I still live in constant fear of Lewys – the level of violence and his irrational violence when under the influence of drugs is terrifying. I see his face, when he was strangling me… his evil eyes, and I am so scared he will find me and the next time he will kill me.”
Investigating officer Detective Constable Damian Brogan said: “Manley subjected the woman to horrific levels of physical, sexual and emotional abuse. The effect on the victim has been devastating, yet through her courage and bravery she found the strength to speak to police and give evidence in court against Manley, who denied until the very end the worst of his actions.
“The investigation demonstrates that we will utilise all necessary specialist departments across the organisation to convict perpetrators of violence against women.”
Anita Hudson, Senior Crown Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service South West, said: “The young woman at the heart of this case was subjected to appalling abuse and the statement she provided to the court clearly set out the lasting impact it has had on her.
“She has shown incredible strength in staying with us all the way through the prosecution to support the case. I hope that she can now rebuild her life knowing that she is safe and that her attacker is behind bars.”
Manley’s defence barrister in mitigation told the court that he was using alcohol and drugs and that his mental health was not very good. Judge Lowe said this did not explain the actions Manley took against the woman.