A violent predator who raped a woman and twice held her head underwater, leaving her fearing for her life, has been convicted following an anonymous police call. Damon Furmedge, 36, subjected his victim to a campaign of intimidation and violence, including installing cameras and microphones in her home and tracking her movements via her phone.
Anonymous Call Leads to Investigation
Cheshire Police received an anonymous call in November 2024 reporting Furmedge's abusive behavior. Officers later spoke to the victim alone, but she was initially too frightened to provide information. After gaining her trust, she disclosed that she had been raped, strangled, and abused by Furmedge. She recounted the first assault, when Furmedge threw her fully clothed into a bath and held her head underwater by her neck. He repeated the act a second time, leaving her terrified she would die.
Campaign of Control and Violence
The victim endured a catalogue of threats and controlling behaviour. Furmedge installed surveillance devices in her home, tracked her phone, and threatened to harm her. The abuse left her so scared that she considered taking her own life to escape. Furmedge, formerly of Winsford, Cheshire, was found guilty of rape, assault, and two counts of controlling and coercive behaviour following an eight-day trial at Chester Crown Court, which concluded on May 29. He remains in custody and is scheduled for sentencing on July 17.
Detective Constable Hannah Lamborn of Northwich CID praised the victim's courage: "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."
She added: "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."
