Man jailed for tying up woman in Hartshill

Mark Conway, aged 54 of no fixed abode, was sentenced on Tuesday 14th July at Warwick Crown Court, for rape, false imprisonment and assault. 

Conway had previously pleaded guilty to the offences, which occurred at a property in Hartshill, Nuneaton on 5th February 2020.

He will serve a 10-and-a-half year custodial term and then a further seven years on licence.

Conway tied the woman to a chair before subjecting her to a prolonged attack.

He then left the property and the victim managed to free herself and raise the alarm.

Conway became the subject of a manhunt after going on the run and was arrested at Royal Derby Hospital on 22 February after information was provided by a member of the public in response to a police appeal.

Detective Inspector Ollie Deakin from Nuneaton Serious and Complex Crime Team said: "This was a horrendous attack on a terrified woman.

"Conway used extreme violence to constrain his victim before subjecting her to the most horrifying attack.

"He is clearly a very dangerous man and we welcome this prison sentence.

"I want to thank the victim for the bravery and courage she has shown through the ordeal."

Victoria Luke of the CPS said: “This was a despicable attack on the victim. Mark Conway had no regard for the victim neither did he have any thought for the suffering and trauma that he inflicted on her, and his actions will live with her forever.

“The strong prosecution case against Conway which included forensic evidence and strong witness testimony left him with no choice but to plead guilty. It is pleasing that he has been held accountable for his crime.”

If you have been a victim of a sexual offence you can report it to Warwickshire Police on 101. If a crime is in progress call 999.

If you have information about someone having committed a sexual offence or continuing to commit sexual offences, you can call police or alternatively contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

There are a number of services available to people affected by sexual offences in Warwickshire. Click here for more information.