A rapist who assaulted a woman and subjected her to a "horrendous ordeal" has been convicted.

Blaine Norton was convicted of rape, ABH, and false imprisonment at Basildon Crown Court on Friday (June 9).

Over a period of a number of years, the 37-year-old, of Faclon Avenue, Grays, subjected the victim to violence, culminating in him raping her in January 2017.

Police say on that occasion he forced himself on the victim, and punched her, despite her repeatedly urging him to stop and clearly stating she did not wish to have sex with him.

The case was investigated by specially trained sexual abuse detectives.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Richard Clark said: “I want to praise the bravery demonstrated by the victim in this case.

“Blaine Norton has subjected her to a horrendous ordeal and she has shown great courage coming forward and reporting to us what he had put her through.

“He now faces a significant amount of time in prison for his actions.”

Norton is due to be sentenced at the same court on August 14.

DC Clark added: “If you’ve been a victim of sexual abuse, please come forward and report it to us.

“You will be supported by specialist officers who will investigate your case.

“And we’re getting justice for more victims. In the last year we solved 130 more rape and sexual assault cases than the year before and in total solved more than 575 cases.”

Synergy Essex provides specialist support for victims and survivors of rape and sexual abuse of all ages and all genders across Essex.

For more information visit the Synergy Essex website synergyessex.org.uk.