Kern Rayne, 40, from Benton, has been jailed for three years and four months after being found guilty of using coercive and controlling behaviour against his ex-partner. The sentence was handed down at Newcastle Crown Court on August 3, following a seven-day trial in June where Rayne was unanimously convicted. He was also issued a 10-year restraining order to protect the victim upon his release.
Abusive behaviour over two-and-a-half years
The court heard that Rayne subjected the woman to two-and-a-half years of abuse, which included repeatedly falsely accusing her of infidelity while he was unfaithful himself. He would send her sexual photos of himself and other women. He frequently demanded to know her whereabouts and would make her video call him to prove where she was, often becoming aggressive, insulting, and making threats of physical violence.
The abuse escalated over time, with Rayne damaging the woman's property, throwing items at her, and punching her repeatedly. After being arrested and interviewed, Rayne denied any wrongdoing and pleaded not guilty, but the jury found him guilty unanimously.
Victim's statement read in court
The woman's personal statement was read out in court, where she described the lasting impact of the abuse: "I feel so sad that I wasted so many years of my life loving someone that took away parts of me, parts I don't think I'll ever get back. I have lost the person I once was."
She continued: "I used to feel like I was a normal person, but I no longer feel that way. I really loved him, and all I ever wanted was for him to love me in return. For years I questioned why wasn't I good enough for him to just love me? Why is he doing this to me? I asked myself what I had done wrong to deserve the way I was treated. I now realise that perhaps I was the one who was strong enough to speak out and help stop this from happening to someone else."
She added: "Reliving and speaking about the abuse in court forced me to revisit some of the most traumatic experiences of my life. Even while he is in prison, I still feel like he is managing to abuse me. I know he can't physically get to me, but I am having to go through this over and over again."
Police response
Det Con Hopton, who led the investigation, said after the sentencing: "Kern Rayne is an abusive man who has been completely remorseless for the way he's behaved towards this victim-survivor. He subjected this woman to a torrent of abusive behaviour, and it's clear from her personal statement just how much this has, and continues to, affect her. I have nothing but respect and applause for her courage and bravery in making these reports to police and her commitment and composure during trial."
She added: "Domestic abuse is something we absolutely won’t tolerate – and we need our communities to know we’ll take action against perpetrators. Coercive and controlling behaviour can begin subtly – but it’s clear from this case just how much things can escalate into much more serious behaviour. Please reach out and seek support, whether it’s from the police, or any of the charities and organisations we work closely with."
