Colchester: Man convicted of rape

A victim of sexual abuse has said “it is never too late to report something to the police” after her attacker was convicted of repeatedly raping her.

The brave woman, who is entitled to lifelong anonymity by law, said:

“If anyone is being told that it’s all your fault, I want you to understand it isn’t your fault and you shouldn’t feel guilty about anything.

“It’s important to know that it’s never too late to report something to the police.”

The victim had met 38-year-old Daniel Cox, of Albany Gardens, Colchester, via a dating app.

Cox soon began intimidating the victim and raped her on several occasions.

The victim was understandably fearful of Cox, but with the support of specialist officers, she supported our efforts to bring him to justice.

The defendant was arrested and during a trial held at Ipswich Crown Court, a jury heard how Cox had made the victim’s life “a living hell”.

On Monday 3 July, Cox was convicted of three counts of rape, one count of engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour and one count of false imprisonment.

He was found not guilty on four counts of assault by penetration and one count of making threats to kill.

Cox will be sentenced at the same court on Wednesday 12 July.