Man jailed after raping woman he held captive for a week in her Romford home

A man was jailed after holding a woman captive in her home and raping and assaulting her for a week.

Sam Price, 25, met his victim in Romford on July 16 last year. After exchanging details with her, the abuse began “within days”, according to police.

Scotland Yard said Price raped her in her own home and “prevented the woman from leaving the house during a period of intimidation and abuse lasting over a week.”

Price not only raped his victim, but also repeatedly beat and bit her and subjected her to other attacks and threats.

After seven days, Price left the property and his victim managed to call a friend who notified the police.

Officers arrived at the property and collected video surveillance evidence as well as witness and victim statements.

Price, of Central Park Avenue, Dagenham, was arrested following “undercover work by the local police investigation team” and questioned by Metropolitan Police detectives on July 25 last year.

He was found guilty of rape and assault following a trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court in April. He had previously pleaded guilty to another count of assault.

Last Friday (July 5), he appeared before the same court, where he was sentenced to ten and a half years in prison for these crimes.

He was also given a lifetime restraining order and will be placed on the sex offenders’ register.

PC Ugne Draz, the sexual offences victim liaison officer, praised the victim for her “amazing courage throughout the investigation”.

“It has been a long process to bring this case to a close,” said PC Draz. “The victim has bravely stood up to ensure that Sam Price is brought to justice.”

Detective Constable Jess Stephens, who led the investigation, added: “This is a good outcome, not only because we can close this case, but I hope it will encourage more women to come forward and report these crimes.”

“Combating violence against women and girls is our priority and we use every tactics at our disposal to target predatory men like Price who pose the greatest risk.”