A WORCESTER man has been sent to prison for 15 years and three months for rape and other offences.
Paul Biddle, 34, of no fixed abode, was found guilty of two counts of rape, two counts of breaching a CRASBO preventing verbal or physical abuse towards women, and one count of Contempt of Court in March 2016 during a trial at Hereford Crown Court.
Biddle was sentenced to 15 years and three months for the charges, which occurred between July 2015 and September 2015, during a hearing at Worcester Crown Court on Monday (June 13).
Superintendent Kevin Purcell of West Mercia Police said: “We would like to pay tribute to the courage of the victim and praise her support to our investigations.
“Paul Biddle has caused a great deal of suffering and he now faces a significant amount of time in prison for his actions.
“I would like to commend the dedication of the officers who worked to bring Biddle to justice and I would also like to reiterate that we will always support the victims of sexual offences and will always be here for them.”
DC Sarah Nicholson added: “We hope that this result provides some closure for the victim and sends a strong message to the public that rape and sexual offences are taken extremely seriously by West Mercia Police.”
Anyone affected by rape or sexual assault can refer themselves or contact The Glade, a sexual assault referral centre, which offers a free service, independent of the police to anyone who may have experienced rape or sexual assault in Shropshire, Telford, Herefordshire or Worcestershire. Call the 24hrs self referral number on 0808 178 2058 or visit their website www.theglade.org.uk
