Extended sentence for man convicted of rape and coercive behaviour
A man from Bury St Edmunds has been given an extended sentence totalling 19 years for rape offences and controlling or coercive behaviour.
Stephen Brazier, (pictured above) of Harland Court, was found guilty by a unanimous jury verdict of two counts of rape and one count of controlling or coercive behaviour, following a six-day trial.
The offences relate to one victim.
The court heard that the 53-year-old would message the victim persistently.
He was suspicious of her friendships with other men, her interactions on social media and would aggressively challenge her actions and behaviour.
Following his initial arrest for rape, Brazier breached his bail conditions by contacting the victim to intimidate her and persuade her to withdraw her evidence. During that period, he raped her again.
He denied the offences, claiming the sexual activity was consensual and blamed the victim for his arrest.
Brazier appeared at Cambridge Crown Court on Friday, September 26, where he was handed an extended sentence totalling 19 years, made up of 16 years’ imprisonment and a further three years on licence.
Extended sentences are handed to those who are convicted of serious violent or sexual offences, where an additional period of post-release supervision is required to protect the public.
Brazier was also made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
Detective Constable Ellie Evans-Eastman, the officer in charge of the case, said: “Brazier is a manipulative man who expected his victim to comply to his demands to dominate and belittle her.
“He attempted to influence her to withdraw her allegation, refused to take responsibility for his actions and behaviours, and made aspersions against character to isolate her from friends and family.
“We know cases like this can have a profound impact on victims and I would like to commend her bravery and resilience in coming forward and seeing the case to its conclusion.
“Suffolk Constabulary is committed to bringing perpetrators of abuse and sexual violence to justice, and we work closely with the Crown Prosecution Service to build the strongest possible case to secure these convictions, with specialist officers available to support victims.”
Domestic abuse isn’t always physical – it can be emotional, sexual, financial or controlling behaviour.
Victims are encouraged to contact police or the Suffolk Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0800 977 5690.
A list of support organisations can be found here>
Further support and advice can be found on the Suffolk Constabulary website: https://www.suffolk.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/daa/domestic-abuse/