Man Who Raped and Tortured Partner for Two Years Jailed for 18 Years

A 33-year-old man who subjected his partner to a two-year campaign of rape, violence and coercive control has been sentenced to 18 years in prison with an additional three years on extended licence at Manchester Crown Court.

Ben Fitton, formerly of Glossop, Derbyshire, was found guilty in September 2024 of two counts of rape, non-fatal strangulation, coercive and controlling behaviour and causing grievous bodily harm. The court heard how Fitton systematically destroyed his victim Hannah’s life through threats, violence and isolation tactics.

The jury heard evidence of Fitton’s sustained abuse, including threats to pour boiling water on Hannah, destroying her clothes, and inflicting a knee injury that required surgery. Thousands of messages and audio recordings revealed the extent of the sexual, physical, emotional and psychological torture she endured.

Detective Constable Russ Clarke of Rochdale CID described the case as containing “the worst levels of abuse and controlling and coercive behaviour I have ever seen.” He praised Hannah’s bravery in coming forward, noting she had waived her anonymity to help prevent Fitton from harming other women.

In her victim impact statement, Hannah described how Fitton had destroyed her relationships with family and friends: “Everything I had worked for, being a good mother, being strong and independent and building friendship groups and good relationships with my family, was suddenly gone.”

The sentencing follows Greater Manchester Police’s continued work under Operation Soteria Bluestone to transform how rape offences are investigated.

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