A man who subjected a woman to a campaign of rape, abuse and electronic surveillance has been jailed for 14 years. Damon Furmedge, 36, was sentenced at Chester Crown Court on Thursday, September 10, and was also ordered to sign the sex offenders register and made subject to an indefinite restraining order.
Campaign of abuse
Furmedge, formerly of Weaver Street, Winsford, was previously convicted of rape, assault and two counts of controlling and coercive behaviour following an eight-day trial that concluded on May 29. The victim suffered a systematic campaign of rape, strangulation and abuse at his hands.
In one attack, he threw her fully clothed into a bath filled with water and held her under by her neck twice, leaving her convinced she was going to die. The assault launched a continuous nightmare of threats and violence, which left the victim so desperate she considered taking her own life to escape him.
Surveillance and threats
Furmedge also used technology to control her every move, fitting cameras and microphones inside her home, tracking her location using her mobile phone and repeatedly threatening her with violence.
Police uncovered the full extent of the abuse after an anonymous tip-off in November 2024 sparked an investigation. When officers initially spoke to the woman alone, she was terrified and reluctant to speak, but after gaining her trust, she disclosed the horrifying ordeal.
Police response
Following the sentencing, Det Con Hannah Lamborn from Northwich CID said: “I welcome the sentence handed to Furmedge, which reflects the nature of his offending, and I hope that it provides some reassurance to the victim.
“The level of intimidation and violence was terrifying for the victim who wanted to report Furmedge but was scared of the repercussions.
“The anonymous call that night gave her the courage to speak out about her ordeal. I think that’s a vital example of how concerned friends and family can call out this horrific behaviour and help their loved-one break free.
“I would personally like to thank the victim for her courage in supporting the police investigation so that justice could be served.
“Our officers are here to help you, with the assistance of specialist agencies, to break the cycle of abuse and get the perpetrator away from you and convict them of their abhorrent crimes.”
If you have been affected by any themes in this story, you can call Rape Crisis for free 24 hours a day on 0808 500 2222. You can also visit the website to start a free online chat. Whatever you're going through, you can call the Samaritans free at any time from any phone on 116 123. Lines are open 24 hours a day. You can also email jo@samaritans.org.
