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Despite her 'horrific' ordeal woman's bravery put this man behind bars

The woman was left with multiple injuries after being raped

[Joshua Chesters, , 35, of Cronton Road, in Cronton, was jailed for 10 years ]

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Joshua Chesters, 35, of Cronton Road, in Cronton, was jailed for 10 years (Image: Merseyside Police )

A woman's bravery put a man behind bars despite the "horrific" ordeal she went through. A court heard how Joshua Chesters raped a woman inside an address in February this year.

The victim suffered multiple injuries and reported the incident to police once the 35-year-old left the property the following day. He was arrested and subsequently charged with rape and controlling and coercive behaviour. Chesters, of Cronton Road, in Cronton, was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday, September 4 after he was found guilty of rape and controlling and coercive behaviour and was jailed for 10 years.

As well as a prison sentence, Chesters is also subjected to a 12-year restraining order and placed on the Sex Offender Register for life.

Detective Constable Tomas Bath said: This was an appalling case of sexual violence and I hope this sentencing brings the victim some comfort. Despite this womans horrific experience, she bravely contacted police to report what happened.

"I hope this sentencing helps others come forward and shows what will happen to their perpetrators.

[Joshua Chesters, , 35, of Cronton Road, in Cronton, was jailed for 10 years ]

View 2 Images

Joshua Chesters, , 35, of Cronton Road, in Cronton, was jailed for 10 years (Image: Merseyside Police )

To report a sexual offence you can call 101 where you will be spoken to by specially trained officers or you can pass information to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, always call 999.

If you have been a victim of sexual assault or rape, you can access specialist support services, which are free of charge and available to anyone. You do not need a referral or to have reported an incident to Merseyside Police before you access these specialist support services.

These services can support you in a variety of ways, including offering a confidential discussion if you are thinking of making a police report, but are unsure what that involves and would like to discuss it.

If you do decide to report to Merseyside Police, you will receive support throughout the investigation, court process and beyond.

You can choose to make an anonymous report through the Sexual Assault Referral Centre called Safe Place, or the Independent Sexual Violence Advisor service, rather than coming directly to Merseyside Police.

With no police involvement, a specialist doctor at Safe Place can examine you to check that you are ok and look for DNA evidence, which they will store to support your case. This gives you the option of making a formal police report at a later time, if you choose to.

Support is also available in Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral, from Rape and Sexual Abuse Support (RASA) Merseyside who are available on 0151 558 1801 and, in St Helens and Knowsley, by the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC) Cheshire and Merseyside who can be contacted on 01925 221 546 or 0330 363 0063.

If you do not require immediate police assistance, then you can report rape and sexual assault via our website here.

Support is also available through the Police and Crime Commissioners Victim Care Merseyside service: Home: Victim Care Merseyside

Merseyside Police recently launched their Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) campaign to "put the voices of women and girls at the heart of their work to tackle VAWG". You can find out more about the campaign here: www.merseyside.police.uk/vawg

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