Portslade man jailed eight years for rape and coercive control in Lewes

Paul Savage, 50, of Portslade, was sentenced to eight years at Lewes Crown Court for rape, coercive control, harassment and breaching a non-molestation order.

Portslade man receives eight-year sentence for rape and coercive control

Paul Savage, 50, of Carlton Terrace, Portslade, has been jailed for eight years after being convicted of rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, harassment, and breaching a non-molestation order, The Argus reports.

Recorder David Vince handed down the sentence at Lewes Crown Court on Friday, 23 October.

The offences were carried out over a prolonged period against a woman known to Savage. The victim described him as violent, controlling, and sexually abusive, and said she had lived in fear throughout the relationship, believing her children were also at risk from his behaviour.

Savage was characterised during proceedings as paranoid and jealous. He repeatedly contacted the victim, monitored her movements, and tracked her activities. After the relationship ended, he continued to drive past her home and linger nearby, in breach of police bail conditions and a court-issued non-molestation order.

Following reports of those breaches, Savage was arrested and remanded in custody ahead of trial. He was charged on 2 January 2026 with intentional strangulation, possession of Class A and C drugs, stalking involving fear of violence, breach of a non-molestation order, and engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour. A charge of rape was added on 18 February 2026.

On 10 July, Lewes Crown Court found Savage guilty of rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, harassment, and breach of the non-molestation order.

Detective Constable Lisa Turner praised the victim's conduct throughout the investigation. "The complainant in this case has shown incredible strength and courage to come forward and tell her story," she said. "When she contacted police, she felt scared and isolated. She feared she could make matters worse by reporting her partner who was unpredictable."

DC Turner noted that Savage had continued his behaviour even after a court order was imposed. "Due to the courage of the complainant in continuing to report to police about breaches, a very swift stop was put to this when Savage was remanded into custody," she said.

The detective encouraged other victims of domestic and sexual abuse to come forward. "There are often many barriers to reporting to police but I hope this case shows that police will take your report seriously," DC Turner said. "Victims of domestic abuse and sexual abuse do not need to suffer in silence."

She also referenced Clare's Law, which allows individuals to seek information about a partner's history of abusive behaviour, and urged anyone with concerns about their safety or that of someone they know to contact police. "Early intervention can help prevent abuse and protect those at risk," she added.

Source: The Argus