A MAN with "outdated" views on sexual relationships has been jailed for more than eight years after being found guilty of rape.

Audey Loveridge, of Woodman Caravan Park, Bewdley, was described as being "overbearing" with women, with a "very inappropriate view of consent" during sentencing at Birmingham Crown Court on Thursday (October 3).  

Loveridge was found guilty of one count of rape at Worcester Crown Court on Friday, June 28 following a trial. Loveridge denied the charge. He was acquitted of other sexual offence charges, as well as engaging in coercive and controlling behaviour.

During the trial, the court heard a voice recording, made on an Apple watch, recorded by the victim at the time of the incident on December 9, 2022.

During sentencing, His Honour Judge Jonathan Salmon told the court that from the recording it was "clear" that the victim "did not want to have sex," but that the defendant "persisted."

Addressing Loveridge, Judge Salmon said: "You apologise to her and suggest it was her fault for being, in effect, irresistible".

The court heard that Loveridge is "overbearing in relationships with women and someone whose attitude towards sexual relationships is outdated."

He said Loveridge, aged 47, “showed a very inappropriate view about consent".

The court heard that the victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is "vulnerable."

Judge Salmon said: "I accept all rapes have the inherent impact of psychological harm but in my judgement, this is a case where severe psychological harm has been caused".

The court heard references from friends of the defendant, which described him as a “hard-working man dedicated to improving the family caravan park which he has been involved in for some time”.

Judge Salmon noted that Loveridge has no previous convictions for any form of sexual offences. 

He was then sentenced to eight years and two months in prison and an indefinite restraining order was also made.

The court heard that he had spent 381 days in custody and on remand, which counts towards the sentence.

As he was taken down, there was a disturbance in the public gallery with shouts of "he is not a rapist."