A violent and manipulative man who subjected two women to horrific abuse has been jailed.

Laurence Patrick Leavy, of Cledford Lane, Middlewich, appeared at Chester Crown Court on Tuesday 19 December where he was sentenced to 18 years, plus six years extended licence, for multiple counts of rape and controlling and coercive behaviour.

The 43-year-old was found guilty following a trial, which concluded on Wednesday 13 December.

The case first came to the attention of Cheshire Police when it was reported in May 2021.

The woman reported Leavy being charming when they first met, but he then dramatically changed and started to become abusive.

The victim was regularly verbally belittled and physically assaulted. On one occasion she described him losing his temper in the car. He pulled over and dragged her from the vehicle, throwing her into a field and driving away, leaving her there.

She was forced to partake in sexual acts which she did not consent to and was raped on a number of occasions.

When this victim reported what had happened to police, officers sought another potential witness to Leavy's abuse, who then also decided to make a formal complaint.

The second victim also reported being abused by Leavy. She was verbally abused, making her feel very insecure. Leavy also refused to work and caused her immense financial pressure.

The victim reported Leavy would force her to have sex on demand. He had also assaulted and raped her multiple times, including while she was pregnant.

Leavy was subsequently charged in December 2022.

In addition to his prison sentence, Leavy was also handed lifetime restraining orders against the victims and ordered to sign the sex offender register for life.

Following the sentencing Detective Sergeant Helen Harrison said: "Firstly, I would like to pay tribute to the bravery and commitment the victims have shown throughout this investigation, including going through the stress of a trial.

"While no sentence will ever be able to make them forget what happened to them, I hope the fact that this dangerous and abusive bully is facing a considerable amount of time behind bars, will provide them with some closure.

"Leavy was manipulative in his offending; he drew them in with his charming behaviour so they began to trust him, before starting to exploit their vulnerabilities and subject them to horrific abuse.

"I am thankful that the jury has seen his true colours, and he has been handed a lengthy sentence.

"Judge Berkson told Leavy during sentencing, 'you lacked any insight or remorse for your behaviour' and 'you controlled every aspect of their lives'.

"The judge also commended the bravery of the victims in this case.

"Nobody should ever have to experience what the victims have been through and I would encourage other victims of controlling and coercive behaviour and sexual abuse to come forward.

"We take all offences of this nature extremely seriously, and any allegation will be thoroughly investigated, with the wishes and needs of the victim as our main priority."

To report any sexual offence, call Cheshire Constabulary on 101 or visit https://www.cheshire.police.uk/ro/report

Information can also be given anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.