Sadistic rapist jailed for 16 years of torture
A woman who was subjected to years of harrowing sexual abuse was forced to dig her own grave by a sadistic rapist.
Manchester Crown Court heard that between 1998 and 2014, Michael Walsh kidnapped the woman and held her prisoner. The woman allegedly suffered rape, beatings and torture for days on end and called ‘a dog’.
The former boxer has now been sentenced to 23 years behind bars after being found guilty on all charges.
Walsh, 48, denied five rape charges, ten assaults causing actual bodily harm, common assault, false imprisonment and criminal damage, the Daily Mail reported.
When she would try and get away from him, Walsh would lay in wait for her and abduct her again. He would beat and rape her before kicking her out onto the street. She would be left 'bruised, bloodied and exhausted'
In 2001, Walsh tracked the woman down to a refuge and convinced her to come with him through threats. In an apparent attempt to punish her for leaving him, he made her dig her own grave with her hands.
He allegedly told her 'you’re digging your own grave'.
According to witnesses, he once hit her on the head with a hammer and then made her sit in his garden in the rain 'like a dog' for an hour.
Judge Manley said the victim was subjected to a 'campaign of rape and violence'.
Detective Inspector Carol Hobson said the two decades Walsh would spend in prison reflects the horrific nature of the crimes. She also commended the woman for her courage.
“I can only hope that today, seeing him jailed for such a long time, gives the brave victim the justice she deserves.”
Morning news break – May 4
