London- A man who raped a woman at knifepoint in Hackney after subjecting her to violent attacks is sentenced to jail.
On Friday, Colin Richmond, 48, of Camden, was sentenced to 19-and-a-half years’ imprisonment at Wood Green Crown Court.
Richmond beat the victim around the body and bruised her ribs; he was found guilty of rape at the same court in August, and the trial of the case was heard in March 2020.
On April 23, the victim received a call from Richmond; he asked her for help because she was known to him; she agreed to meet him.
When she went to see him suddenly, Richmond started grabbing her aggressively by the throat, then he grabbed a large knife and raped her.
Luckily, the victim managed to escape from the house and reported the incident to the police.
In an emotional victim impact statement read out in court, the victim described how the “painful and disturbing” ordeal left her withdrawn and worried.
She further asserted that before meeting Richmond, she felt confident while outgoing or socializing, but now is not able to talk confidently; she felt so withdrawn, quiet and private. It feels difficult to be around familiar with unfamiliar people; now, she struggles to socialize.
Further, the victim asserted that she has trust issues, gets very anxious, and sometimes finds it overwhelming to be in the company of both a man and a woman.
In the court, she asserted that “I’m trying to rebuild my life gradually and know that I have a long and slow journey ahead, but I’m confident that with continued help, support, patience, and medication, I’ll be able to heal myself.” I’ll be able to find it again.” I will be loved and admired and all that I have lost emotionally and physically because of this pain and there is no fault in my situation.”
The 48-year-old rapist, who had admitted two counts of actual bodily harm, was placed on the sex offenders’ register for life.
Detective Constable Rob Johnston, who investigated, said: “Colin Richmond committed horrifying acts of violence and is clearly a threat to women.
