Cheltenham man who confiscated mobile phone and raped woman must go to prison

A man found guilty of forcing a woman to perform a sex act in exchange for the return of her phone has been jailed.

When she refused, Neil Roberts, 50, of Godwin Road, Winchcombe, Cheltenham, slapped her and forced her to do what he said in October 2021.

He was found guilty and sentenced at Gloucester Crown Court on Tuesday.

Roberts must serve eight years and six months in prison for rape and two years and nine months for assault in order to run concurrently.

“He always told me the police would never believe me, and I really believe he thought he could manipulate people into believing his lies,” she said.

She said that although she now “has to bear the label of a ‘rape victim,'” she was “proud” to have spoken out and “showed him that his actions have consequences.”

In his defense, Roberts stated in court that his victim had attacked him and that the sexual act was consensual.

However, the jury refused to believe him and he was found guilty of both crimes.

After the verdict was announced, Det. Con Freya Smith praised the victim “for her determination, courage and patience” in ensuring Roberts was brought to justice.

“Roberts is a dangerous offender who continues to show no remorse for his heinous actions,” she added.

In addition to his prison sentence, Roberts was required to sign the sex offenders registry.