'I've lost my freedom': Victim makes powerful statement as man is jailed for rape

A rape victim bravely read out a statement in court after her rapist was sentenced to eight years in prison.

Daryl Joyner-Smith, of Munro Crescent, Southampton, appeared at Southampton Crown Court on November 3 for sentencing having been found guilty of rape following a trial at the same court last month.

During the trial, the court heard on the evening of Saturday, February 23, 2019, the victim, now in her 40s, had been socialising with friends in Southampton.

After spending the evening with the victim and a group of friends, Joyner-Smith accompanied her back to an address in Millbrook. The victim later went to bed and woke to find Joyner-Smith raping her. Despite repeatedly telling him to stop, her pleas went unanswered, and the court heard how she stared at a spot on the wall, wishing for the ordeal to be over.

The offence was reported to police and an investigation was launched by detectives from our specialist Operation Amberstone team.

Following a trial at Southampton Crown Court, a jury found Joyner-Smith guilty of rape on October 2.

Appearing at the same court today, he was jailed for eight years. In addition to his custodial sentence, Joyner-Smith was also handed a lifetime restraining order and will be on the sex offenders register for life.

In court, the victim addressed the rapist, saying: "What you did to me has affected my life in so many ways. Since the day you raped me, my life has never been the same.

“You have taken away some of the freedom and enjoyment I should be able to feel in my everyday life. I should be able to go out, spend time with my family and friends, enjoy normal things without that sick dread feeling in my stomach, without carrying this fear around with me.

“It is difficult to explain how draining it is to live with the effects of something that happened years ago, yet still feels as though it follows me into so many parts of my life.

“I have been paying the price since the night you raped me. My sleep, my memory, my confidence, my trust in people and my sense of safety have all been affected. I have had to live with the consequences of your actions while trying to carry on being a mother, going to work and managing everyday life.

“You have taken so much from me, and the damage you have caused cannot simply be undone by a guilty verdict and this sentencing. Although I have finally received justice, that does not mean the pain has disappeared. However, knowing that you have finally been held accountable gives me some hope that I can begin to rebuild my life.”

PSI David Bolton, from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary's specialist Operation Amberstone team, said: "I would like to commend the courage shown by the victim throughout this investigation and the court process. Reporting rape takes immense bravery, and her determination has resulted in a dangerous offender being brought to justice.

"Joyner-Smith took advantage of a vulnerable woman for his own gratification, causing harm that can last a lifetime. Today's sentence reflects the seriousness of his offending and ensures he is being held accountable for his actions.

"Our message to victims of rape and sexual offences is clear: you will be listened to, you will be supported, and we will do everything we can to investigate reports thoroughly and pursue those responsible.

"I hope this outcome provides the victim with some measure of closure and helps her move forward knowing that the man who committed this offence has been brought to justice."