Man jailed after raping woman he kept captive in her Romford home for a week

A man has been jailed after keeping a woman captive in her home where he raped and attacked her over the course of a week.

Sam Price, 25, met his victim in Romford on July 16 last year and after exchanging details with her, police say his abuse began “within a matter of days”.

Scotland Yard says Price raped her in her own home, and “prevented the woman from leaving her house during a sustained period of intimidation and abuse which took place over a week”.

As well as raping her, Price repeatedly punched his victim, bit her, and subjected her to other attacks and threats.

After seven days Price left the property and his victim managed to call a friend, who notified the police.

Officers arrived at the property and collected CCTV evidence, witness and victim statements.

Price, of Central Park Avenue in Dagenham, was arrested following “covert work by the local manhunt team” and interviewed by Met detectives on July 25 last year.

After a trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court in April, he was found guilty of rape and one count of assault. He had earlier pleaded guilty to another count of assault.

Last Friday (July 5), he appeared at the same court where he was sentenced to 10-and-a-half years' imprisonment for the crimes.

He also received a lifetime restraining order and will be added to the Sex Offenders Register.

PC Ugne Draz, the victim’s Sexual Offences Liaison Officer praised the victim for her “amazing courage throughout the investigation”.

“It has been a long process in order to see this case completed,” said PC Draz. “The victim boldly pushed through to ensure Sam Price was brought to justice.”

Detective Constable Jess Stephens, who led the investigation, added: “This is a good result not only because we can bring this case to a close but also I hope it encourages more women to step forward and report these crimes.

“Tackling violence against women and girls is a priority and we are using all of the tactics at our disposal to target predatory men like Price who pose the greatest risk.”