Matthew Richardson from Weeting jailed for raping woman over four-year period

A 41-year-old has been jailed for multiple rapes of a woman over a four-year period.

Matthew Richardson, of St Edmund Road in Weeting, appeared at Ipswich Crown Court on Friday, where he was sentenced to a total of 13 years in prison.

This followed a trial at the same court in January where a jury found him guilty of three counts of rape and one of sexual assault.

The court heard how the offences took place in the Weeting area between 2020 and 2024.

Police were called in April 2024 after the victim found the courage to tell a friend about the offences.

When officers arrested Richardson, he attempted to conceal evidence - hiding items of the victim's underwear which he had kept.

In a statement read in court, the victim told how the years of abuse have affected her.

She said: "I can barely trust anyone else now. I second-guess myself all the time. I question everyone's agenda.

"I felt a mixture of relief and fear when I spoke out. I felt relief in the hope it would finally stop and that I would be free. But also fear because I knew that by speaking out people might not believe me.

"All I want now is to be happy and free to move on. I have made the decision to start therapy so I can try to move forward with my life."

In addition to a prison sentence, Richardson was made the subject of a restraining order preventing him from contacting the victim directly or indirectly for 20 years.

He was also put on the sex offenders' register indefinitely.

Following sentencing, Detective Constable Kellie D'Costa from Norfolk Police's Safeguarding and Investigations unit said: "Richardson groomed his victim over a period of years, causing long-lasting effects which have impacted her life.

"I want to commend the immense courage she has shown in coming forward to disclose the ongoing abuse.

“I am hugely grateful to her for the bravery and determination she has shown throughout the investigation and for giving evidence in court.

"While today's sentence can never erase the memories of Richardson’s assaults, I do hope it will provide her the strength to rebuild her life.

"I also hope this will reassure other victims that they can feel confident in coming forward to police, that they will be listened to and that support is available to help them."

To report a sexual offence, call 999 in an emergency. 101 is the non-emergency police number to report a crime, or you can access help and support services online.