After being imprisoned for eight years, the victim of an Ipswich rapist claimed that she felt “frightened and trapped” during the attack.
Abdulay Espirito-Santo, of Rendlesham Road in Ipswich, was found guilty on Friday at Ipswich Crown Court of raping the woman in 2021 both orally and vaginally and assaulting her with the intent to cause her actual bodily harm.
According to what the court heard, he undressed her and pulled up her dress before shoving her onto a bed and raping her.
Additionally, it is said that he bit her on the neck after grabbing her by the hair and around the neck.
At the sentencing hearing on Friday afternoon, the victim testified that the offences occurred in the wee hours of September 4, 2021.
“I felt like I was scared and trapped,” the woman remarked. I was terrified and concerned that he might harm someone else in the future.
There have been moments in the last three years when I have placed the blame on myself.
“I would get scared and upset because I would have flashbacks.”
“I’ve been really nervous, I struggle emotionally, and my biggest concerns right now are feeling safe in relationships and being able to trust people.”
The victim, however, expressed her gratitude that others were now safe as a result of the legal process, saying, “I feel a massive sense of relief and now I know other females don’t have to suffer like I did.”
Judge David Wilson testified in court that Espirito-Santo sexually assaulted the woman after she threatened to forgo sex with him if he didn’t use a condom.
Judge Wilson continued, “I have no doubt you were fully aware she was not consenting.”
The court was informed that after the assault and rape, Espirito-Santo texted her, saying, “Sorry baby,” a message deemed “extremely inadequate.”
Judge Wilson said, “The physical injuries you inflicted lasted for a few weeks, but the mental injuries will last significantly longer,” prior to giving Espirito-Santo the eight-year sentence.
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