Lewis Clarke 31

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The bravery of a woman sharing her story alongside extensive detective work, has resulted in a Doncaster man being jailed for 20 years for multiple offences including rape.

Lewis Clarke subjected his victim to horrific physical and mental abuse.

She called the police after he physically assaulted her and bravely told the officers when they arrived the extent of what Clarke had done to her.

Clarke, 31, of Edlington, Doncaster, was quickly arrested and later charged, appearing before Sheffield Crown Court on 29 July where he pleaded guilty to multiple offences including four counts of rape. Yesterday (Tuesday 27 January) he appeared at the same court and was handed a 20-year sentence, and an unlimited restraining order.

Courageously, his victim spoke in court when Clarke was sentenced.

She said:

"There are no words to fully describe the horror of what happened to me at the hands of Lewis.

"The things he did to me were calculated and cruel. Nobody will ever know the full extent of that abuse, but he does, and I live with it every day.

"I begged for my life.  The abuse destroyed my sense of self. I blamed myself. I hated myself.

"I will never be the same again. The physical injuries may fade, but the psychological damage remains and will stay with me forever.

"Lewis you took my voice and body. I am taking my life back. I will continue to move forward, but I will carry the impact of his actions with me forever.

"I have taken my life back and I am not afraid of you anymore."