“I always worry he is watching me”

A rapist who subjected a woman to four sex attacks has been told how his crimes have left her a house-bound “shell” of herself.

Bradley Hunt remained silent as a heartbreaking statement from the woman he repeatedly raped was read to Sheffield Crown Court.

placeholder image — Bradley Hunt remained silent as a heartbreaking statement from the woman he repeatedly raped was read to Sheffield Crown Court | SYP

In it, she described how in the wake of Hunt’s offending against her, she is “riddled with anxiety” and “barely leaves the house”.

“I always worry he is watching me…it’s hard to put into words the long-term effects of his behaviour on me,” said the woman, who is entitled to lifelong anonymity.

She added: “I don’t feel like myself anymore.”

The complainant’s family described how Hunt’s offending has left her “hollow and lifeless” and like a “shell of herself.”

Hunt, aged 35, denied carrying out the shocking sex attacks, but was found guilty of offences including rape and assault by beating after a trial at the same court.

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He admitted escaping lawful custody, relating to his attempt to flee from police immediately after his arrest, prior to his trial.

The judge, Recorder Richard Thyne KC, jailed Hunt for 10 years and six months.

He categorised Hunt as a “dangerous” offender, who poses such a “significant” risk of further, sexual offending, that it is necessary to make him the subject of an extended, three-year licence period, bringing his total sentence to one of 13 years and six months.

“You’ve sought to deflect blame elsewhere,” Recorder Thyne told Hunt, referring to the contents of his pre-sentence report.

Stephen Littlewood, defending, told the court that Hunt’s behaviour was “primarily fuelled” by his use of drugs, but said he has managed to get clean during his time in custody.