Man jailed for multiple offences including rape and sexual assault

A man who subjected a victim to a prolonged campaign of sexual and physical abuse has been jailed for 20 years.

Following a trial, Joseph Wright, aged 28 and of the Bushey area, was previously found guilty of:

• Four counts of rape
• Sexual assault by penetration
• Grievous bodily harm
• Two counts of coercive and controlling behaviour
• Threats to kill
• Actual bodily harm

During the trial, the jury heard evidence of Wright’s sustained pattern of abuse, controlling behaviour and violence, which took place between April 2020 and July 2024.

The abuse began in March 2020, when the victim was assaulted at an address. In April 2020, she was assaulted again while sitting in a parked car, marking the start of an escalating pattern of intimidation and control. From later in 2020, the victim experienced repeated assaults, including incidents where Wright kicked her and verbally degraded her, leaving her distressed and isolated.

In December 2022, an altercation at the victim’s home resulted in Wright seriously injuring her, causing life‑changing injuries. At the time, she felt unable to report the incident due to the coercive control she was exposed to.

The victim also recounted further incidents in 2023, explaining that although she sought help on several occasions, fear of reprisals prevented her from fully disclosing what was happening.

In 2024, she described another violent incident at a public event. The victim told the court she minimised the incident when speaking to police because she feared what Wright might do if she told the truth.

The victim told the court that she finally ended the relationship on 31 December 2024, believing her life was at risk.

Wright was arrested in connection with these offences on 8 July 2025 and has been remanded in custody since he was charged on 9 July 2025.

Detective Constable Jason Tinsey, from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Sexual Offences Investigation Team, said: “The victim in this case has shown tremendous courage in coming forward and supporting the investigation through what has been an incredibly distressing experience. Her strength has been vital in ensuring Joseph Wright has been held accountable for his actions.

“Abuse of this nature is utterly unacceptable and will never be tolerated. We remain committed to protecting victims, pursuing perpetrators and making sure that those responsible for such serious harm face justice.”

Find out how to report abuse to Hertfordshire Constabulary on our website.

You can also visit the Herts Sunflower website.

Hertfordshire has a range of support available. Beacon is Hertfordshire’s Victim Care Centre and is staffed by professionals from both Hertfordshire Constabulary and Catch 22, an independent organisation commissioned to support victims of crime in Hertfordshire.

For more information on how to contact Beacon in the strictest confidence, visit Hertfordshire Beacon.

Anyone in Hertfordshire who has experienced sexual abuse or sexual violence can contact Herts Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) for practical and emotional support. The centre can arrange face-to-face support, sexual health referrals, and provide forensic medical examinations for those who want them.

To contact Herts SARC, call 0330 223 0099 or visit Herts SARC website.

You can also report information online, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101.

Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form.

In an emergency, call 999.