Man jailed today for raping woman in her Hackney home whilst high on drink and drugs

A man has been jailed for nine years today for raping a woman while high on drink and drugs.

Curtis Benson, 37, forced his way inside the Hackney home of the 35-year old victim who he already knew on August 4.

Benson, of no fixed address, demanded she had sex with him – and when she refused became violent, grabbing her hair and ripping off her clothing before raping her.

Snaresbrook Crown Court heard how the victim fought him off and ran to a neighbour’s house in tears.

Benson fled the scene and sent the victim several text messages threatening to harm her if she contacted police.

A nationwide manhunt for Benson was launched, and having heard he was wanted, he gave himself up at Stoke Newington police station four days later.

He was charged with rape and eventually pleaded guilty on October 12.

Investigating officer, DS Ross Morrell paid tribute to the brave victim.

“Benson is a dangerous man who subjected her to a sustained and violent attack,” he said.

“She suffered a terrible ordeal that has impacted on her day-to-day life but she had the courage to come forward and report this to police, which in turn has allowed her to access support agencies and services that are now helping her return her life to normal.

“Rape is a difficult offence to report and investigate and I hope that the bravery of this woman gives confidence to other victims of rape and sexual violence to come forward and report their ordeal to the police, no matter how unusual or different the circumstances are.”