A NEWPORT rapist has been sentenced to 15 years in prison.

Imran Anwar, 39, of Church Crescent, Bassaleg, forced his victim to wear costumes before abusing her, a court heard.

Anwar was sentenced for four counts of rape, one of sexual assault and three physical assaults against the same woman following a trial.

Defence barrister, Matthew Cobbe, said he could offer only “limited” mitigation to the court.

Judge Tom Crowther QC said he had read the defendant’s pre-sentence report and stressed that Anwar had a “strong work ethic”.

Anwar was jailed for 15 years for two rapes and another 12 years for two other charges of rape. Judge Crowther also jailed Anwar for two years for one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH). He also gave him a further two years for another ABH and two and a half years for a third ABH.

The judge also handed him 12 months for a sexual assault and said that all the sentences would be served concurrently.

Anwar must serve half his 15-year sentence in prison before being released on licence and must also pay a £120 surcharge.