In a harrowing case that has shocked the community, Charles Durdle, a 26-year-old man from Hove, has been sentenced to five life sentences for subjecting a woman to months of repeated rapes, violent assaults, and psychological abuse. The severity and frequency of his crimes are deeply disturbing and have left a lasting impact on his victim.
The series of horrifying events began in April 2022 when Durdle first raped his victim, a woman in her 20s, at a property in Hove. Over the following months, spanning until September 2022, Durdle continued to subject her to almost daily rapes, isolating her from her loved ones and gaining complete control over her life.
The physical toll on the victim was immense, as she suffered a shocking weight loss of 38kg over an 18-month period. Durdle’s relentless abuse extended beyond sexual violence, as he once tied a noose around her neck, causing asphyxiation injuries.
The courageous victim finally reported Durdle to the police in September 2022 after discovering that he had shared explicit videos of them with a teenager. She also disclosed previous instances of violent abuse and threats to her life.
Following his arrest, it was revealed that Durdle had breached an existing Sexual Harm Prevention Order. He was subsequently charged with multiple offences, including rape, assault, making indecent photographs of a child, intentional strangulation, and engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour.
In a hearing at Lewes Crown Court on Friday, October 20, Durdle pleaded guilty to all charges. The court handed him five life sentences to be served concurrently, along with a minimum jail term of 10 years and two months. Additionally, he received an indefinite restraining order and will be registered as a sex offender for life.
The victim, in her impact statement, expressed the profound and lasting impact of Durdle’s crimes on her life. She described feeling trapped within her own body, unable to experience simple pleasures without fear. Every memory of rape and assault continues to haunt her, affecting her ability to trust and connect with others.
Detective Chief Superintendent Richard McDonagh commended the victim’s bravery in coming forward and stressed the importance of seeking help in abusive situations. He urged individuals enduring controlling relationships to reach out to family, friends, and support agencies, assuring them that they will be believed, supported, and given the justice they deserve.
