'Despicable' rapist jailed for 16 years

A rapist from Nottingham described by a judge as a danger to women" has been jailed.

Gareth Odell raped a woman at least 20 times between 2020 and 2021, Nottinghamshire Police said.

The force praised the "immense bravery" of the woman in coming forward to the police and sharing what the 37-year-old had done to her.

Odell, of Charlbury Road, Wollaton, was sentenced to 16 years in prison at Nottingham Crown Court on Wednesday.

Nottinghamshire Police said the rapist's "repeated level of offending" came to light soon after his victim reported it to the police.

He was then arrested and charged with nine separate counts of rape and a further count of sexual assault.

Odell pleaded not guilty to the charges and a subsequent trial at Nottingham Crown Court in March found him guilty on all 10 charges.

Odell was given a custodial sentence of 24 years, of which 16 years will be spent behind bars followed by eight years on licence when he is released.

He was also made the subject of an indefinite restraining order.

Det Con Lucy Clarke, from Nottinghamshire Police, said: "It's impossible to sum up the pain, trauma and anguish his actions would've caused to this woman, and yet she found the strength to come forward and report it to the police, which is to her absolute credit.

"Odell's actions were despicable, as he repeatedly forced his victim to have sex with him throughout 2020 and 2021, despite her making it clear to him that she didn't want to.

"We hope the sentence passed today provides the victim with some small degree of comfort, while also sending a message to other survivors of sexual abuse that we will listen and take action should you report it to us."

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