Serial rapist sentenced to 19 years in prison

A man who raped, sexually assaulted, and psychologically abused two women has been jailed for nearly 20 years.

On Thursday, 12 March, Ethan Nolan, 24 (DOB: 13/10/2001), from Bristol, was sentenced to 19 years and six months after being found guilty of three counts of rape, two counts of controlling and coercive behaviour (CCB), one count of sexual assault by penetration, one count of sexual assault by touching and one count of intentional strangulation.

In 2022, Nolan raped a woman he was in a relationship with while she slept at her home in Bristol. He then tried to manipulate her and convince her it was normal.

In April 2023, he entered a relationship with a second woman in Surrey, began restricting her from seeing friends and changing the way she dressed. He also coerced her into giving him her bank cards and made her send him money.

His behaviour escalated from psychological to physical abuse. He would regularly beat the woman and on one occasion remarked: "If I leave bruises over you, people will know you are mine." Nolan then raped her twice in the space of a couple of months.

Following a six-day trial at Bristol Crown Court in January, Nolan was found guilty of all offences.

At sentencing, he was also handed a lifelong restraining order and put on the sex offenders register for life.

Detective Constable Nat Stone, from Surrey Police's Sexual Offences Investigation Team, said: "Nolan is a dangerous man and his behaviour has impacted many lives. I would like to take this opportunity to highlight the courage of both victims to come forward and tell Police what happened.

"Thanks to their bravery and support over the last two years, Nolan will now serve a significant amount of time behind bars.

"This investigation and court result is evidence of the hard work by numerous officers and staff members and that shows that we take every report of domestic abuse and sexual assault seriously. If you have been a victim of abuse or sexual violence, or you recognise any of these behaviours in a friend or partner, please contact police. You will be listened to, and we will do everything we can to support you.”

If you or someone you know has been the victim of rape, sexual assault, or another sexual offence, you can find help and support here.