A drug-dealer has been jailed after police found his hidden stash of cannabis, cocaine and crack cocaine in a lock-up - valued together at more than £100,000.
04.05.2023 - 06:25 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
A 'controlling and abusive' man who raped two women 'more than once' has been jailed for 14 years. Ben Smith, from Chester, was found guilty of seven counts of rape and two counts of coercive and controlling behaviour, Cheshire Police said.
The 28-year-old subjected the two women to violence, placing a pillow over their faces so they couldn’t breathe on some occasions, the force said. The rapes were reported to the police after friends and family of the victims witnessed Smith's 'red flag behaviour', Cheshire Police said.
Smith, of Sydney Road, Chester, appeared at Chester Crown Court on 28 April to be sentenced. As well as the 14 years in prison, he was handed restraining orders to protect his victims and is subject to a sexual harm prevention order.
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Cheshire Police said the offences occurred between January and December 2018. Both women reported that Smith raped them more than once and was controlling and coercive, police said. According to the force, one victim was made to feel isolated from her friends and family and 'like she had to be with him all the time'.
Speaking after the sentencing, DS Tom Philpotts said: “I’d like to thank the victims for their bravery in coming forwards and standing up against this type of behaviour.
"Family and friends of each of the victims were also becoming concerned with the behaviour of Smith and had on occasion witnessed red flag behaviour. Police were called when the rapes were disclosed and we have supported the two women and their families from that moment on to make sure they felt enabled to get justice despite the distress they were feeling and had gone through at the hands of Smith.
“We hope this encourages
A drug-dealer has been jailed after police found his hidden stash of cannabis, cocaine and crack cocaine in a lock-up - valued together at more than £100,000.
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