Man who confiscated phone and raped woman is jailed

A man found guilty of forcing a woman to perform a sex act in exchange for the return of her phone has been jailed.

When she refused, Neil Roberts, 50, of Godwin Road, Winchcombe, Cheltenham slapped her and forced her to do as he said in October 2021.

He was found guilty and was sentenced at Gloucester Crown Court on Tuesday.

Roberts must spend eight years and six months in prison for rape, and two years and nine months in prison for assault causing actual bodily harm, to run concurrently.

"He always told me the police would never believe me, and I truly believe that he thought he could manipulate people into believing his lie," she said.

She said although she now has to "carry the label of being a 'rape victim'", she was "proud" to have spoken out and "shown him that there are consequences for his actions".

In defence, Roberts told the court his victim had attacked him and the sexual act was consensual.

However, the jury refused to believe him and he was found guilty of both offences.

Following sentencing, Det Con Freya Smith praised the victim "for her determination, courage and patience" in ensuring Roberts was brought to justice.

"Roberts is a dangerous offender who continues to show a lack of remorse for his vile actions", she added.

In addition to the prison sentence, Roberts was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders' Register.

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