East Sussex man given five life sentences for campaign of rapes, assaults and emotional abuse

Police said Charles Durdle, 26, of Blatchington Road, first raped his victim at a property in Hove in April 2022.

A Sussex Police spokesperson said: “Over the subsequent months, up to September 2022, Durdle continued to rape her on an almost daily basis, isolated her from her family and friends, and controlled almost every aspect of her life.

“Her physical health suffered hugely, losing 38kg over an 18-month period.

“On one occasion Durdle tied a noose around her neck and pulled it tight until she could not breathe, leaving asphyxiation injuries on her throat.

“Durdle’s offending was first reported to police in September 2022, when his victim caught him sending sexual videos of the two of them to a teenager. She also disclosed previous instances of violent abuse and threats to kill her.

“He was swiftly arrested, found to be in breach of an existing Sexual Harm Prevention Order and remanded in custody.

“Durdle was subsequently charged with five counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration, and one count each of making indecent photographs of a child, actual bodily harm, intentional strangulation, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour and with breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

“He pleaded guilty to all counts and at Lewes Crown Court on Friday, October 20, was given five life sentences to run concurrently, with a minimum jail term of 10 years and two months.

“He was also given an indefinite restraining order and will be on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.”

In an impact statement submitted to the court, Durdle’s victim shared the devastating impact of his crimes: “I feel like I’m trapped inside my body, like I am a prisoner to myself, even though it is him that has been locked up, I too feel I have been, unable to enjoy simply pleasures in life such as a hug or a kiss on the cheek without fear running through me.

“It has and continues to be complete torture. I thought when he left it would leave with him but he has left with not only a physical scar on my throat to remind of what happened, but the memories of every time he raped and assaulted me.