A RAPIST held down his victim and forced himself upon her in a harrowing attack.

Lee Reeves attacked the Sussex woman who had told him she did not want to have sex with him.

The woman, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, was left feeling “humiliated” and “degraded” by the violence.

At Lewes Crown Court, Reeves was found guilty of rape and coercive and controlling behaviour.

It included on one occasion trying to choke her, kicking her on the ground, and spitting on her.

Reeves appeared for sentencing before Her Honour Judge Janet Waddicor, who jailed him for a total of nine years.

The 42-year-old former builder was described as someone who was “charming”, “attractive” and “adventurous”.

But he was an alcohol and cocaine user and abuser, the court heard.

The Argus: Lewes Crown CourtLewes Crown Court

Prosecutor Andrew Collings told the jury there was “evidence of humiliation and degradation to cause maximum fear and distress” by Reeves towards the victim.

The jury heard about violent attacks on the victim, including one occasion where Reeves grabbed her by the face and throat and tried to choke her.

On another occasion he had shoved her to the floor, kicked her, and spat on her.

Finally, on the night of the rape, he had argued about having sex with her and lambasted her with vile abuse.

Judge Waddicor said: “You wanted to have sex with her that evening, and you have a high sex drive. 

“She made it plain she did not want to have sex with you. 

“You told her you were going to have sex and had an argument with her, calling her a slug and frigid.
The Argus: Lee Reeves has been jailedLee Reeves has been jailed

“Later you came into her room and told her you were going to have sex with her anyway. 

“You got on top of her and held her down. 

“The next day you told her you would not have had to do what you did if she had had sex with you.

“She described herself as being humiliated and belittled.”

Beverly Cherrill, defending Reeves, said he had been volunteering at a homeless shelter and also had a reference from a former work colleague.

Reeves, formerly of South Coast Road, Peacehaven, was given a seven-year sentence for rape, for which he will serve two-thirds of the time, and was sentenced to a further two years in prison for coercive or controlling behaviour.

He will also be on a notification register for life.