Man jailed for raping and strangling woman

Police custody image of Craig Welsh
Craig Welsh, 37, was sentenced at York Crown Court on Wednesday [North Yorkshire Police]

A man, described as a "danger to women", has been jailed for seven years after being convicted of rape and non-fatal strangulation.

Craig Welsh, 37, previously of High Street, Eastfield, had denied the charges but was found guilty following a trial at York Crown Court.

He was sentenced on Wednesday and was also given a 15-year restraining order to protect his victim and was placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely.

Speaking after sentencing, Det Con Tracey Brewster said she hoped his victim could "draw some strength" from Welsh's conviction and prison sentence.

"Welsh denied the offences during police interviews and subjected his already traumatised victim to the ordeal of a court trial," she added.

“Welsh is a danger to women and is now rightfully serving a prison sentence for what he has done."

Det Con Brewster praised the victim for her "courage and strength” in reporting the crimes.

"While the lasting effects of the ordeal are traumatic and life-changing for the victim, I hope she can draw some strength from the outcome at court."

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