A GWENT sex offender was jailed for 15 years for seven offences against two victims including rape, attempted rape and assault.

Former Torfaen man Terence Absalom, 23, was sentenced at Newport Crown Court for three counts of rape, one count of attempted rape, two counts of assault causing actual bodily harm and one count of unlawful wounding. He admitted all seven charges.

The court heard how Absalom, whose last registered address was Parc Prison but has lived in the Newport and Torfaen areas, was an “intelligent man” but used his intelligence to manipulate his victims.

Judge Philip Richards gave Absalom an extended sentence of 15 years for each of the three rapes, to be served concurrently. He also sentenced Absalom to seven years for the attempted rape, 16 months for unlawful wounding and 14 months each for the assaults – all to be served concurrently.

Prosecutor Tracey Lloyd-Nesling told the court how Absalom slammed the head of one of his victims into the wall of a bedroom before raping her as she slipped in and out of consciousness.

He punched the victim, who was just 16 at the time, and said, “Do you really want to see the sick side of me?” before telling her he would kill her if she screamed.

On another occasion, he swung her mobile phone into her face, splitting her eyebrow open which needed several stitches. He then begged her to lie and say she hit her head on a cabinet.

Ms Lloyd-Nesling, prosecuting, also told told the court of Absalom’s attacks on another woman. In August last year she was out socialising with a friend when Absalom followed her into the ladies’ toilets, hitting her head against the wall.

Then on another night, the court heard how Absalom picked up the second victim and slammed her on to the floor. He ordered her to perform sex acts before raping her, having to pause while she was physically sick and suffered a nosebleed.

A victim statement to the court read: “The impact he has had over my life is overwhelming. Each day I thank God I’m still alive. Work is my salvation. At work I can put on my mask.

“I am pleased he has finally admitted what he is, a woman beater and a rapist.”

In mitigation, defence barrister Caroline Rees presented a letter from the defendant to Judge Richards, demonstrating his remorse.

Ms Rees said: “He’s still young, quite an immature defendant. But he wants to put his intelligence to better use. He is working towards his A Level exams.

“There are matters in his background of trauma, he suffered as a young boy and that had an enormous impact upon him. He is a defendant who wants to change.”

Absalom was also given a restraining order, added to the Sex Offenders Register and ordered to pay a victim surcharge.

After the hearing, Detective Constable Martyn Coombe said: “Absalom’s actions were shocking and depraved, he took advantage of his victims and subjected them to ordeals which will live with them for the rest of their lives.

“I would like to pay tribute the victim’s bravery in reporting these incidents and helping to bring a dangerous offender to justice.”

“We are committed to bringing those who have committed such offences before the courts and will support victims in every possible way throughout the process.”