A 35-year-old man from Highbury in London, Richard Summers, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for a series of horrific crimes against his ex-partner. Summers was found guilty of rape, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and coercive and controlling behavior. The sentencing took place on Thursday, September 14th, at Snaresbrook Crown Court, where he also received a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and was added to the sex offenders register for 15 years.
The court heard a disturbing account of Summers’ long history of dangerous assaults and violence directed towards his ex-partner. The harrowing incident that led to his conviction occurred on Saturday, March 4th, around 1 pm when police were called to a pub in Highbury Barn, N5, by a concerned member of the public.
Upon arrival at the scene, officers found the victim-survivor injured and distressed. She bravely disclosed that Summers had entered her bedroom while under the influence of cocaine and forced her to have sex with him. Despite her attempts to resist, Summers remained forceful, repeatedly assaulting her by punching her in the face and striking her over the head with a glass ashtray. The victim was finally able to escape when Summers fell asleep.
Detective Constable Max Orange, who led the investigation, described Summers as a “predatory offender” who had subjected his ex-partner to “sickening” abuse and trauma. He emphasised that Summers posed a real danger to other women who might have crossed his path.
Orange expressed gratitude to the dedicated team of officers who worked tirelessly to bring Summers to justice, highlighting the commitment of law enforcement to protect women and girls in the city.
As part of the investigation, officers provided significant safeguarding measures and specialist support to the victim-survivor. They also connected her with partner agencies to ensure she received proper care and support during this challenging time.
Throughout the police interviews, Summers maintained his lies, claiming that the victim had sustained her injuries by riding her bike into a lamppost. He denied the rape allegations, displaying a shocking lack of remorse for the crimes he had committed.
Summers faced trial on September 4th and pleaded guilty to assault. Following a seven-day trial, the jury deliberated for approximately eight hours before returning guilty verdicts for rape and coercive and controlling behavior.
Detective Chief Inspector Paul Ridley, public protection lead for Islington, emphasised that Summers is a “very dangerous individual” and commended the detectives for their determination to make London a safer place for women and girls. Protecting women and girls remains a top priority in the city’s efforts to combat domestic violence.
Ridley acknowledged that more work needs to be done to safeguard women and girls across the capital, emphasising the ongoing efforts to collaborate with partners, support victims, and bring predatory offenders to justice as outlined in the New Met for London plan.
