A Brighton man has been jailed for four years after he raped his girlfriend.
Victor Agada, 24, of no fixed address, raped his girlfriend after she refused to have sex with him before he was tested for sexually transmitted diseases.
Agada denied the charge but was found guilty by a jury at Brighton Crown Court.
After he was sentenced the woman he raped said: “When I heard the news I felt happy and relieved I could go to Brighton knowing that he wouldn’t be there.
“It’s helping me to recover from what’s happened.
“It was terrible after what happened for so many reasons.
“I felt nervous all the time and had to wait for HIV results. I really thought I could have been infected.
“When I found out that there was no possibility I had it, I was so relieved I celebrated.”
Aware other victims of domestic abuse may be afraid to seek help, the victim said: “I know it’s hard to go through all this but the point is that once he is convicted you really can start to move on with your life.
“It’s not just that he did that to you. He could do that to other people.
“It’s not a question of protecting yourself. It’s about protecting other people.”
Detective Constable Joel Brooks, of Sussex Police, said: “The victim’s brave decision to pursue the prosecution will help to protect other women but also sends a clear message that offenders of domestic violence will be held to account.
“The jury heard the incredibly compelling words of the victim who told of the anxiety of waiting for HIV results and how it has affected her whole life.
“It is great to see her looking to the future now justice has been done.
“There is help for you if you are a victim of domestic abuse. You’re not alone and we’ll be with you every step of the way.”
