A Rapist from Brighton, Dominic McStravick, has received a 20-year term after a court heard that he raped a lady, assaulted her multiple times, and rendered her unconscious while she was pregnant.
Dominic McStravick asphyxiated her, issued death threats, appropriated her mobile device and house keys, and vandalised her residence, including doors, windows, and a television screen.
Dominic McStravick, 29, exhibited controlling and coercive behaviour over several months, culminating in a particularly egregious incident where he threatened the woman and her unborn child with a knife before fleeing the scene.
He remained in his cell instead of attending Brighton Crown Court for sentencing by Recorder David Brock on Tuesday, January 28.
Dominic McStravick, a resident of Whitehawk, acknowledged engaging in coercive and controlling conduct, issuing threats to kill, committing assault resulting in actual bodily harm (ABH), perpetrating common assault, stealing, and two instances of criminal damage.
He entered a plea of not guilty to charges of rape and intentional strangulation of a lady in her thirties; nonetheless, a jury found him guilty following a five-day trial at Hove Crown Court in August.
One charge of assault pertained to the daughter of the rape victim, while one charge of criminal damage arose from a violent incident in the police cells on Crowhurst Road, Hollingbury.
Mr. Recorder Brock, the trial judge, issued an extended sentence after determining that Dominic McStravick posed a danger.
He sentenced Dominic McStravick to 15 years of incarceration, with an additional five years on licence, stipulating that he must serve a minimum of 10 years in prison before being eligible for parole.
Dominic McStravick was mandated to register as a lifelong sex offender, and the judge instituted an indefinite restraining order to prohibit him from contacting the woman and the girl.
John Carmichael, for the prosecution, informed the court that the offences occurred from October 2023 to March of the previous year.
On Monday, March 12, the police responded to the woman’s vandalised residence and apprehended Dominic McStravick on the same day.
Detective Constable Steve Bevis, the lead investigator, stated: “Dominic McStravick inflicted months of suffering and torment upon his victim.”
“Through extreme levels of physical and sexual violence, he sought to control all aspects of her life. Even her young daughter was not safe.
“But he underestimated the courage of this brave woman who reported his monstrous crimes to the police. He was in custody the same day.
“I would like to thank the victim for her strength and determination throughout this investigation which has helped put a dangerous man behind bars.
“I hope she and her daughter can now find the peace to recover from their ordeals and move on with their lives in safety.”
Detective Superintendent Andy Harbour said: “This victim-survivor’s harrowing ordeal and inspiring bravery are reminders of why tackling violence against women and girls is so important.
“Sussex Police is focused on protecting victims of violence and sexual offences, supporting them should the worst happen and doing all we can to bring offenders to justice.
“We know reporting to the police can feel daunting. That is why we have a broad range of discreet methods to make reporting as easy as possible and specially trained officers and partners to offer the support victim-survivors need.
“Report crime online, via 101 or by calling 999 in an emergency.”
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.