Man jailed after being found guilty of multiple rapes and coercive and controlling behaviour

A man has been jailed for 15 years after being found guilty of a string of offences including rape, sexual assault, assault and controlling and coercive behaviour.

 

 

Marcus Collins, 22, of Canterbury Gardens, Farnborough, and Furze Close, Redhill, was sentenced when he appeared at Guildford Crown Court yesterday (28 January), for numerous offences involving three female victims, aged 18, 17 and 16 years at the time, between 2018 and 2020.

The court heard how one of his victims contacted Surrey Police in January 2020 to report offences against Collins, including controlling and coercive behaviour, assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), and numerous rapes. The offences had taken place between May 2019 and January 2020.

Collins was arrested on 8 January 2020 and was subsequently charged for the assault and controlling and coercive behaviour offences while the allegations of rape were investigated.

In February 2020, a second victim contacted police to report that Collins had assaulted, raped and controlled her between September 2018 and January 2020.

In the same month, a third girl came forward and said that Collins had raped, sexually assaulted, strangled and controlled her.

Collins was arrested on 16 March 2020 for these further offences and was subsequently charged on 26 August 2020 with numerous rapes, sexual assault by penetration, controlling and coercive behaviour and numerous assaults (ABH).

Detective Constable Nicky Dell, who investigated the case, said: “Collins treated these three young women with incomprehensible violence and threatening behaviour over a long period of time. He repeatedly raped and assaulted them, he threatened to shoot them and used various weapons against them. He controlled them by forcing them to block friends and family on social media, dictating what clothing and make up could be worn, and not allowing them to socialise with friends.

“The messages he sent to these young women, recovered from mobile phones examined during the investigation, were threatening, vile and utterly appalling.

“I would like to personally commend the bravery of all three women for finding the courage to speak to police and give evidence at court. It took incredible courage to speak up against the crimes being committed against them and they have no doubt protected other women from becoming victims of similar horrific crimes.

“I would like to reassure anyone who finds themselves in a similar situation that we will always take you seriously – your allegations will always be investigated - and you will be given the appropriate specialist support.”

DC Dell added: “We believe there may be other victims and I would urge them to come forward, either to Surrey Police or to the independent charity East Surrey Domestic Abuse Service (ESDAS), on 01737 771350 or [email protected]”

Michelle Blunsom MBE, CEO of East Surrey Domestic Abuse Services, said: “We want all survivors to know that regardless of whether you feel able to report to the police you can speak to us in confidence. We know that the behaviour of perpetrators can make you feel ashamed, isolated and scared but we want you to know you are not alone and that the shame is not yours, it is theirs. We are grateful to these incredible women for coming forward, as we know the courage it has taken to do so, and to Surrey Police for their investigation.”

Describing the cruelty that she faced on “a daily basis” at the hands of Marcus Collins, one of the victims said: “Even two and a half years down the line, I am still reminded on a daily basis of the cruelty that I faced at the hands of Marcus Collins. I get anxious in public, concerned that anyone could attack me at any time. Marcus took great pleasure in attacking me in public as well as private. These were often sustained attacks, all the while people walking past and staring but not helping. I could count the number of times on one hand that I was offered help, despite being kicked, jumped on, punched, shouted at. On one occasion, Marcus said: “Look, no one cares about you”, before punching me in the face. Then he looked around at everyone watching and laughed.

“Even when offered help, victims may say no for fear of further violence, or even because they are so manipulated and controlled, they cannot imagine their life without their abuser. Either way, it would have been paramount to my mental health both during the relationship and after to have been offered help when attacked in public.”

Her mother added: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Surrey Police, in particular DC Dell, for all her hard work, dedication and support throughout this case.  Collins turned my daughter from a strong and confident girl into a shell of the person she was. No one should ever have to go through that hell and now he’s in prison he can’t make anyone else suffer. We hope the girls can rebuild their lives knowing they are finally safe.”

Another victim paid tribute to the support she received from ESDAS: “I am incredibly grateful for the amazing support, kindness and advice of ESDAS throughout this whole ordeal. This fantastic charity helped to keep me strong and I can never thank them enough.”

 

For further advice and information, please go to our web site  https://www.surrey.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rsa/rape-and-sexual-assault/