A man from South Norwood was sentenced to 12 years in prison after he was found guilty of rape and causing actual bodily harm to a woman who suffers from multiple sclerosis.

Luke Sewell of Westgate Road, Croydon, raped the victim after a prolonged attack, which included forcing her to take an hour-long freezing cold shower. 

Sentencing at Guildford Crown Court, Judge Rufus Taylor said the level of degradation, humiliation and violence ensured the victim’s submission to the rape. 

Sewell, 30, was arrested by Metropolitan Police officers after the victim told staff at a self-storage company in London that she had been raped and assaulted the previous day.  

Afterwards, she convinced Sewell to drive her to the storage company “to collect her belongings”, claiming that she wanted to move in with him. Upon arrival she was able to ask the staff for help, who then kept her safe while they waited for officers to arrive.

Multiple sclerosis can cause problems with vision, movement and balance, as well as intense muscle and nerve pain.  

Speaking in her impact statement, she said: “I am still suffering with the injuries to my chest that Luke inflicted upon me. I can’t go to the gym because of my injuries, I loved to go to the gym and it is also a very important part of managing MS to build my strength.”

Detective Constable Mike Powell, Investigating Officer of the Sexual Offences Investigation Team, said: “The victim has shown remarkable courage in coming forward, reporting this offence and delivering her evidence during the course of a trial. Through her actions, a dangerous and deviant sexual offender will be prevented from committing further similar crimes against others.”

Sewell was granted an indefinite restraining order and his sentence extended three years on license due to the severity of his offence.