Court hears how rape victim ‘lost her life’ as Sunderland rapist jailed
“Cowell is an extremely dangerous individual who clearly poses a significant risk to women”
The victim of a Sunderland rapist has said she has “lost her life” and is “scared to be alive” following her horrific ordeal.
Gavin Cowell, 37, from Sunderland, subjected the woman to a catalogue of abuse, which included rape, sexual assault, and strangling her until she struggled to breathe.
Prosecutors said Cowell would also damage her personal belongings and repeatedly hit her.
A police investigation was launched, and the 37-year-old was subsequently charged.
He denied two counts of rape, five counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, two counts of sexual assault, and one count each of non-fatal suffocation, controlling or coercive behaviour, making threats to kill and threatening with an offensive weapon.
However, a jury at Teesside Crown Court found Cowell guilty of the charges and sentenced him to 18 years in prison. He was also made the subject of a lifetime restraining order.
The brave woman chose to appear in court to read out her victim statement in person.
She said: “I’m in pain 24 hours a day. I am scared to be alive, not dead. This has gone on for so long and has left me in a daze.
“I have been left in the unknown with what has been going on for a long period of time. The times I have been left awake over thinking every situation repeatedly.
“The struggles I have to sleep and eventually when I do I have constant flashbacks which take me back to the dark times I had.
“Certain noises take me back to situations involving him and leave me in shock. At night I sit in the dark without a focus.
“Every noise pierces through my brain and I have lost my life, my home, my business and I am going to have to start from scratch again.
“Every part has been scary; the fact he used to brag about what he did to me has caused the suffering to be even worse.”
The victim also praised the police officers who investigated the case as well as the domestic abuse charity, Harbour.
Durham Constabulary’s detective Mike White said: “Nobody should ever have to suffer abuse of this nature.
“This woman has shown incredible courage, bravery, and dignity throughout this investigation and court process.
“Her strength has prevailed, and her attacker has been handed a lengthy prison sentence. I hope that this will allow her to begin the healing process.
“Cowell is an extremely dangerous individual who clearly poses a significant risk to women. I am pleased he is now behind bars and cannot hurt anyone else.”
Anyone who has been the victim of rape or domestic abuse are urged to call 101.
The Meadows Sexual Assault Referral Centre provides free, confidential healthcare and compassionate support to people who have experienced rape or sexual assault. Call0330 223 0099.