Rapist who repeatedly abused teenager and dictated what she wore jailed
A rapist who repeatedly abused a teenage girl over four years has been jailed.
Kyle Pugh subjected the girl, now aged 18, to years of coercive control, and physical and sexual assaults.
He controlled the victim, dictating what she wore and did not allow her to wear makeup. He also assaulted her on a regular basis by pulling her hair and biting her.
The 19-year-old lashed out at the girl on numerous occasions. Once, he hit her with a vacuum pole to her legs, another time he hit her with a games controller.
Friends and family noticed injuries on the girl, including bruises and on one occasion a black eye, but she told them she had head-butted a lamppost and claimed to be clumsy in an attempt to hide her injuries.
'You think you will come out of this alive?' - rapist's threats
Pugh stopped the girl from reporting the abuse to police by threatening to kill her, once telling her: "You think you will come out of this alive?".
He would continually check the girl’s phone and social media. The aggressive scrutiny and control made her fearful to seek help.
But the girl built up the courage to report the ordeal and came forward to officers in December 2021.
Pugh, of Chelmsley Wood, was jailed for 13 years at Birmingham Crown Court on Friday, July 8, after being found guilty of three counts of rape, sexual assault, making a threat to kill and coercive control.
He was also found guilty of two counts of actual bodily harm and putting a person in fear of violence by harassment.
Rapist's 'cruelty and controlling behaviour is inexcusable'
Detective Constable Laura Rogers, from West Midlands Police's Child Abuse Investigation Team, said: "Pugh’s cruelty and controlling behaviour is inexcusable.
"He isolated the girl from her family and friends, and caused her to doubt her own mind during his years of abuse.
"When he raped her, she made it absolutely clear she was not consenting, but he persevered nonetheless.
"There are no excuses or grey areas when it comes to rape - if someone says no, then it is a criminal offence and our officers will persevere in bringing offenders to justice.
"Despite him tormenting and terrifying her, the girl has shown immense bravery in coming forward and supporting this prosecution.
"It’s thanks to her incredible courage that Pugh has received the punishment he richly deserves."
If you or someone you know is affected by the issues raised in this article, you can get help by contacting:
West Midlands Police - Have specially trained officers who will listen to you and treat you with sensitivity and compassion, click here.
Voluntary organisations, such as Rape Crisis, Women's Aid, Victim Support, The Survivors Trust or Male Survivors Partnership.
24-hour freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge, on 0808 2000 247.
The Rape Crisis national freephone helpline on 0808 802 9999 (12 to 2.30pm and 7 to 9.30pm every day of the year).
A hospital accident and emergency (A&E) department. A doctor or practice nurse at your GP surgery.
A genitourinary medicine (GUM) or sexual health clinic, a contraceptive clinic, young people's service.
Call NHS 111 or get help from 111 online, the police, or dial 101. In an emergency, dial 999.