Rapist put behind bars after attacks

Pictured is Robert McBride, 24, of Eyam, who has been jailed for 16 years for raping, blackmailing and assaulting a woman.

Robert McBride, 24, of Eyam, denied the charges but he was found guilty following a trial at Derby Crown Court.

McBride raped the woman, aged in her 30s, between 2010 and 2012, according to the court, and he also blackmailed the victim over photographs he had of her and assaulted her in August 2012.

The victim reported the offences to police in October 2012 and McBride was arrested.

He was charged with eight offences of rape, two offences of blackmail and one offence of assault.

He was sentenced on Thursday, October 10, to 16 years in prison.

Investigating officer Detective Con Derek Ellis said: “I would like to praise the victim for her bravery in coming forward and reporting the abuse.

“She also showed tremendous courage when facing her attacker in court and having to relive the ordeal during the trial.

“I believe the sentence reflects the serious nature of these offences and I hope it will enable the victim to move on with her life and put the ordeal behind her.”

Witnesses or anyone with information about crime in Derbyshire, should call Derbyshire Constabulary on 101 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.