Winsford man found guilty of rape

Damon Furmedge was found guilty of the charges following an eight-day trial at Chester Crown Court which concluded on Friday 29 May.

The 36-year-old, previously from Weaver Street, Winsford, has been remanded in custody and will appear at Chester Crown Court on17 July to be sentenced.

The case began in November 2024 when police received an anonymous call about Furmedge’s behaviour towards the victim.

The victim was spoken to on her own but was reluctant to give any information and said she was scared.

After gaining the women’s trust, she went on disclose how she had been raped, strangled and abused by Furmedge.

The woman told officers that the first time she was assaulted Furmedge threw her fully clothed into a bath-full of water and held her under the water by her neck. He did this twice and left her terrified she was going to die.

What followed was a catalogue of threats, violence and controlling behaviour which left her so scared that she considered taking her own life to escape.

She told officers that Furmedge had installed cameras and microphones at her home, he had also monitored her movements by tracking her phone and threatened to harm her.

DC Hannah Lamborn from Northwich CID said:

“The level of intimidation and violence was terrifying for the victim who wanted to report Furmedge but was scared of the repercussions.

“The anonymous call that night gave her the courage to speak out about her ordeal. I think that’s a vital example of how concerned friends and family can call out this horrific behaviour and help their loved-one break free. 

“I would personally like to thank the victim for her courage in supporting the Police investigation so that justice could be served.

“Our officers are here to help you, with the assistance of specialist agencies, to break the cycle of abuse and get the perpetrator away from you and convict them of their abhorrent crimes.”