Isle of Wight rapist jailed for 15 years after court trial

Connor Richard Barnes, of no fixed address on the Isle of Wight, appeared at Portsmouth Crown Court on Thursday, January 18, where a jury found him guilty of two charges of rape and coercive controlling behaviour.

The offences took place between January 2020 and March 2022.

Convicted rapist Connor Richard Barnes (Image: Hampshire and IW Constabulary)

Following the verdict, the 28-year-old was remanded in custody until appearing again at the court on Tuesday (March 12), where he was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment and was also ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life.

Detective constable Leanne Boyd said: “This is an excellent result, and we are very pleased that we have been able to help the victim see the justice she deserves.

"We commend her not only for her bravery in coming forward but also for continuing to support the investigation throughout.

“We hope that these results reflect the seriousness with which we take all reports of sexual assault and coercive controlling behaviour and that we will put victims first and relentlessly pursue offenders, especially when investigating these kinds of cases.”

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary want to encourage anyone who has been affected by sexual assault or abusive behaviour of any kind to contact them on 101, where you can speak to an officer in confidence.