Rapist jailed following controlling and coercive behaviour conviction

A rapist who was convicted of controlling and coercive behaviour against a woman has been jailed.

Albert Dawidziuk's victim walked into one of our front enquiry offices in September last year and told police he had abused her physically and mentally over several years. When officers arranged a further meeting with her in the following days, she disclosed the abuse had also been sexual.

She told detectives from Signal - the force's specialist rape and serious sexual investigation unit - that 36-year-old Dawidziuk had gained access to her email and social media accounts and would regularly question her about her contact with work colleagues.

She said he also isolated her from her friends and demanded she send him pictures to prove where she was and who she was with.

When the report was made Dawidziuk - a Polish national - was overseas. However, he was arrested by colleagues from Kent Police when he arrived at Dover days later.

Dawidziuk, now of HMP Leicester, was found guilty of two counts of rape, one count of assault by penetration, one count of sexual assault and one count of engaging in controlling/coercive behaviour on 20 June following a trial at Leicester Crown Court.

On Wednesday (2 July), at the same court, he was sentenced to a total of 12 years' imprisonment. He is also subject to an indefinite restraining order prohibiting any contact with the victim.

Albert Dawidziuk

Detective Constable Adam Battley, the investigating officer, said: "The victim in this case must be commended for her bravery in coming forward and telling us what Dawidziuk had done.

"We take reports of rape, sexual assault and controlling coercive behaviour extremely seriously We strive to ensure that the perpetrators of such crimes are brought to justice. The accounts and evidence she was able to provide were key to achieving this outcome.

"I hope the fact Dawidziuk is now serving times behind bars will provide a degree of closure and allow her to move on with her life."

• There are a number of different agencies who are able to offer independent help and support to victims of sexual offences in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland
• Further information on these services and details on who to contact if you have been a victim of a sexual offence can be found by visiting https://www.leics.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/advice/rape-sexual-assault-and-other-sexual-offences
• If you have been a victim of sexual assault, you can also contact Juniper Lodge – a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) – by phoning 0116 273 3330 or visiting https://juniperlodge.org.uk/
• You can also find your nearest SARC by visiting https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/sexual-health-services/find-a-rape-and-sexual-assault-referral-centre