Chester man jailed for 14 years for being abusive and controlling

A man from Chester has been jailed for 14 years for his abusive and controlling behaviour to two women.

Ben Smith from Sydney Road, Chester, appeared at Chester Crown Court on 28 April to be sentenced.

The 28-year-old was found guilty of seven counts of rape and two counts of coercive and controlling behaviour at an earlier hearing.

As well as the 14 years in prison he was given restraining orders to protect the two women, and is subject to a sexual harm prevention order.

The offences occurred between January and December 2018 and involved two women.

Both women reported that Smith raped them more than once and was controlling and coercive.

One of the victims was subjected to violence and on occasions he had also placed a pillow over her face so she couldn’t breathe.

The other said she was isolated from her friends and family and he made her feel like she had to be with him all the time.

DS Tom Philpotts said: “I’d like to thank the victims for their bravery in coming forwards and standing up against this type of behaviour.

“Family and friends of each of the victims were also becoming concerned with the behaviour of Smith and had on occasion witnessed red flag behaviour. Police were called when the rapes were disclosed and we have supported the two women and their families from that moment on to make sure they felt enabled to get justice despite the distress they were feeling and had gone though at the hands of Smith.

“We hope this encourages those suffering from abusive relationships to speak out and get help. Our focus is to protect the community from people like Smith and we will do all we can to stop this type of abhorrent behaviour.”

Cheshire Constabulary takes any allegation of sexual offences extremely seriously, and any allegation will be thoroughly investigated, with the wishes and needs of the victim as our main priority.

Victims should never feel ashamed to talk about what they have been subjected to. They will receive the help and support they need from our specialist officers, as well as from other support agencies we work alongside, and all victims of sexual offences have the right to anonymity.

To report any sexual offence, call Cheshire Constabulary on 101 or visit: 

https://www.cheshire.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/v1/rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/%20  .

In an emergency always call 999. Information can also be given anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on:

0800 555 111

Pictured - Ben Smith from Sydney Road in Chester.