(Image: North Yorkshire Police)
A man who repeatedly raped and abused a woman has been jailed for 13 years.
Andrew Warren Lowe, 36, of Belgrave Road in Keighley, was convicted following a trial at Leeds Crown Court and sentenced on Wednesday.
He was also handed a restraining order.
'Lowe was a predator'
The court heard Lowe subjected the woman to years of sexual, physical and emotional abuse.
Over the seven year period, he repeatedly raped and sexually assaulted her, controlled her behaviour and subjected her to violence. The abuse left the victim with lasting trauma.
Detective Sergeant Natalie Hawksworth of North Yorkshire Police said: “This case involved a victim being subjected to horrifying abuse over a sustained period of time.
“Lowe was a predator who repeatedly targeted and abused the victim for his own personal gain and sexual gratification, showing no regard for the devastating impact his actions would have.”
Abuser 'showed no remorse'
The court also heard that Lowe physically assaulted a child, exposing them to violence in an environment where they should have been safe.
Leeds Crown Court (Image: Leeds Crown Court)
In a statement, North Yorkshire Police said Lowe “showed no remorse” and refused to take any responsibility for his actions.
Lowe denied the allegations throughout the investigation and trial but was found guilty by a jury.
The investigation related to non-recent offences and began around three years after the abuse took place.
Despite the delay, the victim remained engaged throughout the inquiry.
Victim 'truly deserves happiness'
Following the sentencing, DS Hawksworth said: “The bravery shown by the victim in coming forward cannot be overstated.
“Reporting non-recent abuse is incredibly difficult, and her unwavering support of the investigation has ensured that a dangerous individual is now behind bars and no longer poses a risk to women and children.
“The effect of these offences has caused lifelong trauma for the victim, something she will now have to live with forever.
“She truly deserves happiness, and I hope this sentence brings some sense of closure following such a horrendous ordeal.”
She also praised the child victim's bravery and said she hoped the conclusion of the case would help them feel safe about the future.
A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson acknowledged the challenges victims face in coming forward.
The spokesperson said: "We understand that there are lots of reasons people choose not to report, and it's always your choice.
"If you've been raped or sexually assaulted, and if you're ready to, you can report rape and sexual assault to us online."