The victim of an Ipswich rapist who has been jailed for eight years has said she felt “frightened and trapped” when she was attacked.
On Friday at Ipswich Crown Court, Abdulay Espirito-Santo, of Rendlesham Road in Ipswich, was found guilty of raping the woman orally and vaginally and assaulting her causing her actual bodily harm in 2021.
Abdulay Espirito-Santo was found guilty of rape and assault (Image: Suffolk Police)
The court heard he lifted up her dress and removed her underwear before pushing her on to a bed and raping her.
He had also allegedly grabbed her around the neck and by her hair and bit her on the neck.
The offences took place in the early hours of the September 4, 2021 and the court heard from the victim at the sentencing hearing on Friday afternoon.
She said: “I felt like I was frightened and trapped. It really scared me, and I was worried he would do this to someone else in the future.
“Over the past three years there have been times I blamed myself.
“I would have flashbacks which would cause me to be scared and upset.
“I have been very anxious, and struggle emotionally and really worry now about trusting people and feeling safe in relationships."
But the victim said she was glad the court process meant others were now safe: “I feel a massive sense of relief and now I know other females don’t have to suffer like I did.”
The court heard from Judge David Wilson who said Espirito-Santo raped the woman after she said she would not have sex if he did not use a condom.
“I have no doubt you were fully aware she was not consenting,” Judge Wilson added.
The court heard that following the rape and assault Espirito-Santo texted her the “extremely inadequate” message: “Sorry baby.”
Before Espirito-Santo was handed the eight-year sentence, Judge Wilson added: “The physical injuries you inflicted lasted for a few weeks, but the mental injuries will last significantly longer.”
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