Ipswich rapist Abdulay Espirito Santo, who left victim with injuries to face and throat, jailed for eight years

A rapist who left his victim with injuries so severe she was unable to speak properly for days has been jailed.

Abdulay Espirito Santo, 34, of Rendlesham Road, Ipswich, was handed an eight-year sentence at Ipswich Crown Court on Friday.

A jury found him guilty of one count of rape and one count of actual bodily harm after a five-day trial.

On September 4, 2021, Espirito Santo brought the victim to his home address after a night out, the court heard.

After she declined to have sex with him, he then forced his way onto her.

Espirito Santo was said to have grabbed her face and pulled her hair during the attack.

After, the victim left and went to a friend’s house with injuries to her face and throat.

Espirito Santo was arrested later that same day and charged.

DC Chloe Bilner, the investigating officer, said: “The victim made it very clear to Espirito Santo that she did not want sex because he didn’t have a condom.

“Despite her clear protestations, he forced himself on her, pulling her hair and grabbing her throat so hard that she was unable to speak properly for a few days.”

Through the investigation and trial, the victim was supported by an independent sexual violence advisor.

Ms Bilner added: “It would have been very traumatic for the victim to have given evidence during the trial so I thank the victim for her courage, patience, although what Espirito Santo did will understandably never leave her.”