Richard Weaver

A man who subjected his ex-partner to a horrific ordeal involving rape, stabbing, and false imprisonment has been sentenced to thirteen years in prison. Richard Weaver, 45, carried out the attack at the house he shared with the victim in Newham, east London, shortly after they decided to end their relationship.

The incident unfolded on 3 October 2019, when the victim returned home from work. According to details heard at Snaresbrook Crown Court, Weaver began arguing with her and followed her upstairs, verbally abusing her before punching her in the head and stabbing her in the hand, inflicting a serious injury. He then imprisoned her within the property and raped her, leaving her fearing for her life.

• Weaver initially allowed the victim to leave to seek medical help for her hand injury.
• He quickly changed his mind, demanding she remain in the house.
• The victim managed to escape and ran to a nearby street, where she contacted the police.

Police described the attack as a 'horrific physical and sexual assault' that was so frightening the victim believed she might not survive. Detective Constable Phil Fox, who led the investigation for the Metropolitan Police, stated: “Weaver had decided he did not want his ex-partner to leave him and carried out a horrific physical and sexual assault, an attack so frightening she believed she might not survive. The victim in this case has shown tremendous bravery, not only in disclosing what happened to police but in coming to court and providing the evidence that brought Weaver to justice.”

Weaver was convicted of rape, making threats to kill, false imprisonment, unlawful wounding, and actual bodily harm. The sentencing took place at Snaresbrook Crown Court, with the judge imposing a thirteen-year custodial term. The case highlights the severe consequences of domestic violence escalating into sexual and physical abuse, as reported by The Evening Standard on 28 October 2022.