A 63-year-old Southampton man has been found guilty of strangling and raping a woman in her 60s. 

Elvis Williams, of Mosaic Close, was found guilty of controlling or coercive behaviour, rape and intentional strangulation after a five-day trial. 

Southampton Crown Court heard how the victim, a woman in her 60s, asked for help from a member of the public having been assaulted on March 4. 

Police attended with the woman reporting that Williams had punched her a number of times and forced her to have sex with him. 

She also said he'd previously strangled her until she couldn't breathe. 

Williams was arrested and pleaded guilty to two counts of assault. 

He was found guilty of the remaining charges on Friday.

He is now due to be sentenced on October 27, 2023. 

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Police Staff Investigator Keely Osborne, who led the investigation, said: “First and foremost, I would like to commend the survivor of Williams’ awful crimes for the bravery she has shown throughout the investigation and thank her for sharing her experience with us.

“Without her courage during the criminal justice process we would not have secured these guilty verdicts.

“I would also like to express my sincere thanks to the members of the public who came forward to give eyewitness accounts and statements. Their support was vital in ensuring this conviction.

“Rape, sexual offences and domestic violence have a devastating impact on victims who often feel as though they are trapped and cannot seek help.

“That is why we are committed to tackling this type of behaviour and bringing those responsible to justice.

“If in seeing this verdict, you too believe you may have been a victim of sexual advances or physical abuse by Elvis Williams, we would please implore you to come forward.

“We appreciate that this may be difficult for you, but we are keen to see that further justice is served if he has exploited other vulnerable women.

“We would also urge anyone who feels they are a victim of domestic abuse, rape and other sexual offences to not suffer in silence.

“Please call the police or a domestic abuse support service. You will be listened to and you will be supported.”

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If you are a survivor of domestic abuse in Southampton, Yellow Door, a local charity, can offer you a range of help and support. Visit their website, yellowdoor.org.uk or contact them on 023 8063 6312 to find out more.

If you believe you’ve been a victim of Williams’ specifically, call 101 quoting reference 44230088285/Op Legislation.

You can also report online via https://www.hampshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/

For more information on the support available, and how to report to police, visit https://www.hampshire.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/advice/rape-sexual-assault-and-other-sexual-offences/rape-sexual-assault-support/