Rapist Thomas Ebbs, of Castle Street in Caergwrle, was locked up for 10 years by a judge when he returned to the dock of Mold Crown Court after being convicted on two counts of rape following a trial.
During the hearing, prosecutor Elen Owen read a statement taken from Thomas Ebbs’ victim – who cannot be identified for legal reasons. She told how the attack had “changed” her and left her feeling like “damaged goods”.
She added: “My barriers are completely up. I have become withdrawn from society and shut people out of my life, fearing that I’ll give them the opportunity to hurt and destroy me.
“I do have a sense of relief that the defendant is in custody for now as that means no other woman will have to endure the suffering and life-lasting damage that I have.
“I am glad women are currently safe from who I deem a sexual predator. I still pray that the defendant takes accountability, accepts this is wrong and gets help so this never happens again.”
The woman also detailed how she is getting help through counseling to slowly recover from the trauma that Thomas Ebbs inflicted upon her.
In addition to his prison sentence, Judge David Hale said that Thomas Ebbs will be and listed for the rest of his life as a sex offender on the national register. He was also made the subject of an indefinite restraining order, banning him from having contact with the victim ever again.
After the sentencing, Investigating Officer DS Helen Evans said: “I welcome today’s sentence and I hope this shows to other victims of such serious and life changing offences that we take all incidents of Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) very seriously, and that these offences are a high priority for the force.
“This was an incredibly difficult investigation for the victim, who has shown immense courage throughout.
“I applaud her for taking the difficult step in reporting the matter to us at the outset and I hope she can now focus on trying to re-build her life. We will continue to place offenders before the court to face justice for heinous crimes such as these.”
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.