A 'monstrous' painter and decorator has been jailed for nine years after he raped a woman, leaving her feeling unsafe in her own home. 

Winchester Crown Court heard how Luke Cromar forced himself upon the woman in Southampton. 

The 30-year-old of Bramley Crescent, Sholing directed her to have sex with him before attacking her in January. 

It took place less than a year after he was handed a suspended sentence for offences against another woman in July 2023.

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Speaking at his sentencing on Friday, Judge Brian Forster KC said: "Your behaviour towards the complainant was monstrous. 

"In fact, you brought about a situation where she lived in fear of you and her ability to make a free choice was taken from her.

“Her self-confidence was destroyed by your behaviour. She is in effect haunted by the events which took place.”

In a statement from the victim, read out by Prosecutor Stephanie Painter, she said Cromar "destroyed my self-confidence."

She added: "I constantly ask myself why this happened and why to me. I’m constantly battling with not wanting to be alone and not feeling safe within my own home.

“Giving evidence was a big thing for me. I remember being in the dock sweating and wishing for it to be over.

“I’m really proud of standing up and making sure my story was heard.”

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She also said she developed physical symptoms caused by the stress of the trial adding that Cromar's actions continue to impact her.

Cromar initially denied the offences but was found guilty by a jury of two counts of rape, one of assault by penetration and two counts of coercive and controlling behaviour.

He did not react as he appeared in court via video link on Friday where he was jailed for eight years for the offences. 

He was sentenced to a further 12 months for breaching a suspended sentence. 

Cromar was also handed a restraining order and a 15-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order. 

Mitigating, Nick Cotter said: “His understanding of his behaviour is perhaps an important turning point for him.”