A 34-year-old man from Redruth has been jailed for 18 years for a number of violent rapes.

Matthew James Gardner, 34, was found guilty after a trial in January at Truro Crown Court of 14 charges including nine counts of rape, assault by penetration and four other charges.

At the sentencing hearing on Thursday, September 19, he was sentenced to 18 years, of which he must serve at least two thirds, and told he must sign the sex offenders’ register for life.

Over the course of the trial the jury heard that Gardner operated using fear over his victim. He raped his victim despite her being unwell during one of the numerous attacks. During another incident he forced a sock in her mouth and raped her.

The attacks were physically violent and degrading and left the victim in immense pain. Gardner insisted that all the sexual encounters were completely consensual.

Detective Constable Joanne Sodergren and Detective Constable Emma Sandry of Devon and Cornwall Police, the officers in the case, said: “We are pleased that Matthew Gardner has now been sentenced and the victim has some closure and can start to look to the future without fear.

“We would both like to express our sincere gratitude and admiration to the victim for her sheer courage and resilience throughout.

“Without her engagement and patience, we would have been unable to achieve justice for her. It is thanks to her bravery that other women will be protected from harm. She is a remarkable and truly inspirational lady.”