A Brockley man who repeatedly raped a woman while holding her hostage has been jailed for 14 years.

Patrick Healy, 48, of Upper Brockley Road, was convicted of 10 offences including five counts of rape on July 25.

Croydon Crown Court heard that on December 22, 2013 the woman came home to find Healy outside the property.

He pushed the woman inside and threatened to kill her, stole her keys and locked her inside.

On his return he stopped her from leaving the address and repeatedly raped her until she convinced him to allow her to go to work.

Healy escorted the woman to her place of work where she reported the ordeal to the police once he left.

Officers attended the victim’s home to find Healy hiding in a cupboard and he was arrested.

As well as rape offences, he was convicted of false imprisonment, sexual assault, common assault and threats to kill. 

Healy pleaded not guilty to the changes.

Detective Constable Keith Tran, from the Met's sexual offences command, said: “Rape is often under-reported and victims can suffer in silence. It took tremendous courage from this victim to come forward and report Healy to the police. However, once she did she was supported by a specially trained officer until Healy was convicted.

“As a result of her courage a violent offender, who subjected her to a protracted ordeal has been convicted and now faces a lengthy prison term.

“I hope this case gives other victims of rape and abuse the courage to report their offenders to the police with the confidence that they will be believed and they will be supported.”