A MAN has been jailed for seven years after repeatedly raping a woman in Powys.

Christopher Pugh was described as exerting sexual violence over his victim.

The victim was subjected to three separate rapes in Powys in 2020, his sentencing hearing was told.

Pugh denied three counts of rape, plus another of assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), but was found guilty on each at his trial in June.

The 47-year-old, of Conway Drive, Shrewsbury, had admitted in December to two other charges of causing criminal damage.

At Mold Crown Court on Thursday (August 17), the sentencing hearing was told how Pugh’s victim thought her ordeal would “never come to an end”.

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Prosecutor Karl Scholtz read out a victim impact statement, saying the victim was left “feeling worthless, with little faith in people” following the rapes.

“She was barely even able to get out of bed. She has been ignoring calls and no longer wants to see people,” said Mr Scholtz.

Andrew Green, representing Pugh, said the other side to his client’s character was amply demonstrated in character references submitted on his behalf.

“People close to him know him as a man of positive good character, a hard-working man,” said Mr Green.

Pugh read out a letter at the hearing, which he attended from HMP Berwyn in Wrexham, via videolink.

He said: “I can see how my actions and the way I was living affected (the victim) and her family and friends, as well as mine. I am truly sorry."

He added: “All I’ve done is think every minute, every day of what a mess I’ve made and my mistakes. I want to become a better person, a better man.”

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Judge Niclas Parry told Pugh: “You were convicted after trial of a course of conduct involving violence and sexual violence, with an attitude that your victim should do your bidding.

“You repeatedly raped her.

“There was an incident where her life was threatened.

“The two incidents of criminal damage are indicative of your extreme rage, during which your victim was curled into a ball pleading with you not to hurt her.”

Judge Parry told Pugh he will serve two-thirds of the sentence, and the remainder on licence. He said a restraining order will be granted until further notice and a notification period will remain in force for life.