A Brighton man has been given a 20-year sentence after a court was told that he raped a woman, repeatedly attacked her and beat her unconscious while she was pregnant.
Dominic McStravick strangled her, threatened to kill her, stole her phone and house keys and smashed up her home including doors, windows and a TV screen.
McStravick, 29, was controlling and coercive over many months and in one particularly nasty episode he threatened the woman and her unborn child with a knife before he ran off.
He stayed in his cell rather than attend Brighton Crown Court to be sentenced by Recorder David Brock on Tuesday 28 January.
McStravick, from Whitehawk, had admitted coercive and controlling behaviour, making threats to kill, assault causing actual bodily harm (ABH), common assault, theft and two counts of criminal damage.
He pleaded not guilty to rape and intentionally strangling the woman who was in her thirties but a jury convicted him at the end of a five-day trial at Hove Crown Court in August.
One count of assault involved the daughter of the woman who was raped and one count of criminal damage followed a violent outburst in the police cells in Crowhurst Road, Hollingbury.
Mr Recorder Brock, who was also the trial judge, imposed an extended sentence, having deemed McStravick dangerous.
He jailed McStravick for 15 years, with an extended five years on licence, adding that he would have to serve at least 10 years in prison before he could apply for parole.
McStravick was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and the judge imposed an indefinite restraining order to try to prevent him from contacting the woman and the girl.
John Carmichael, prosecuting, told the court that the offences took place from October 2023 to March last year.
The police were called to the woman’s smashed up home on Monday 12 March and arrested McStravick the same day.
Detective Constable Steve Bevis, the officer in charge of the investigation, said: “Dominic McStravick subjected his victim to months of suffering and torment.
“Through extreme levels of physical and sexual violence, he sought to control all aspects of her life. Even her young daughter was not safe.
“But he underestimated the courage of this brave woman who reported his monstrous crimes to the police. He was in custody the same day.
“I would like to thank the victim for her strength and determination throughout this investigation which has helped put a dangerous man behind bars.
“I hope she and her daughter can now find the peace to recover from their ordeals and move on with their lives in safety.”
Detective Superintendent Andy Harbour said: “This victim-survivor’s harrowing ordeal and inspiring bravery are reminders of why tackling violence against women and girls is so important.
“Sussex Police is focused on protecting victims of violence and sexual offences, supporting them should the worst happen and doing all we can to bring offenders to justice.
“We know reporting to the police can feel daunting. That is why we have a broad range of discreet methods to make reporting as easy as possible and specially trained officers and partners to offer the support victim-survivors need.
“Report crime online, via 101 or by calling 999 in an emergency.”
Sounds like they christened the afterbirth. should be kept in full term.
My heart goes out to you both thank goodness you had the strength to put this monster where he belongs god bless you both
Lock it up, and throw away the key.