Paul Edwards, instructed by instructed by Francesca Baynham of the CPS South East RASSO Unit, successfully prosecuted a defendant facing multiple serious offences, including five counts of rape and a range of domestic abuse allegations.
Following a trial lasting nearly three weeks at Guildford Crown Court, the jury returned guilty verdicts on four counts of rape, causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent, attempting to pervert the course of public justice, controlling and coercive behaviour, threats to kill, and blackmail. The defendant also pleaded guilty to threatening to share intimate images of the complainant.
The complainant and the defendant started their relationship when they were 16 and 17 years old respectively. The relationship lasted just under 3 years. From the early stages of the relationship, the defendant used the threat of violence to make her submit to his sexual demands, to isolate the complainant from her friends and family and to control what she wore and who she spoke to.
This case highlights the devastating impact of coercive and controlling behaviour within relationships, as well as the courage shown by victims in coming forward and giving evidence.
Sentencing is listed for June 2026.
Paul’s full profile: https://greatjames.co.uk/members/paul-edwards/
To instruct Paul, please contact the clerking team at clerks@greatjames.co.uk or on 0207 440 4949