Woman commended for bravery and speaking out after violent abuser jailed

A brave survivor has spoken out to help protect other women after a man was jailed for rape, serious sexual assaults and strangulation in Welwyn Garden City at St Albans Crown Court today (Friday17 July).

The woman was subjected to violent abuse between 2021 and 2022, but with the help of family and friends found the courage to report it to police.

She said: “While nothing can undo what happened or the lasting impact this has had on my life, I hope this outcome shows other victims that they will be listened to, believed, and supported. I hope sharing my experience encourages anyone living in fear to seek help. I am incredibly grateful to Detective Constable Jon Holmes, whose communication, empathy, and commitment never wavered. He handled every interaction with sensitivity and professionalism and made me feel heard and supported. Although this has been a long and difficult process, I hope this case gives others the confidence to seek help and know that justice is possible. There is hope beyond the fear. Everyone deserves to be safe, to be heard, and to live a life free from abuse. Taking the first step can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to face it alone.”

Ben Kasperczak, aged 23, of Hertford Road in Welwyn, was sentenced to 13 years' imprisonment for three rapes, four serious sexual assaults and non-fatal strangulation.

Detective Constable Jon Holmes from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Sexual Offences Investigations Team (SOIT), said: “The victim-survivor has shown incredible strength in reporting these horrific crimes to us and in supporting the investigation and two court trials. I commend her bravery and her family and friends who have supported her.”

Kasperczak was convicted of two rapes and non-fatal strangulation in October 2025, but the jury was hung on the remaining counts during a three-week trial. A second trial lasting seven-weeks took place from April to June this year where he was found guilty on all counts.

“She has made the incredibly brave choice to publicly share her experience in the hope that other survivors of sexual abuse might feel able to speak up and report to police,” DC Holmes added.

“Despite suffering terrible abuse at the hands of Kasperczak, her caring nature has shone through for the duration of the investigation and trials, with some of her first thoughts on conviction being focused on preventing further harm to others.

“Kasperczak never showed any remorse for his offending and following two separate trials in 2025 and 2026 spanning 10 weeks, two juries at St Albans Crown Court took a combined total of less than 15 hours to convict Kasperczak.”

His Honourable Judge Andrew Johnson said: “You were abusing her and violating her, while her focus was on helping you.

“She is in my judgement an empathetic compassionate lady. The impact of these rapes and other offences has been enormous.”

Having heard the victim’s impact statements, HHJ Johnson added: “I hope they have made you feel some degree of shame. They should.”

DC Holmes continued: “I encourage victims to get in touch. We have specially trained officers who will listen, take you seriously, offer support and protection, and ensure your wishes remain central throughout the investigation to hold those who abuse or commit violence against others accountable for their actions.”

Being a victim of a sexual offence is never your fault. If you’ve been a victim, no matter how long ago the offence occurred, please report it. We have specialist officers on hand to provide advice and support throughout an investigation. The constabulary also has LGBTQ+ liaison officers who are specially trained to provide support to members of the LGBTQ+ community.

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

Anyone in Hertfordshire who has experienced sexual abuse or sexual violence can contact the 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.