Man jailed for raping ex-wife at gunpoint

The 43-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to rape, possessing a firearm and common assault relating to an incident on November 16, 2009.

Handing down the jail term, Londonderry Crown Court Judge Desmond Marrinan said: "There is no doubt that you subjected your ex-wife to degrading and humiliating treatment and used the threat of a gun to subdue her and to force your will."

The court heard there were young children in the woman's house at the time of the incident, although they did not see or hear any of the "dreadful acts" the man carried out.

The judge said the children have "continued to be sheltered from the matter and I hope that situation continues while they are innocent children."

Judge Marrinan said the victim has "suffered greatly, continues to suffer and her suffering is not over" as a result of the incident.

He said that the 43-year-old deserved credit for his plea of guilty, lack of previous convictions and for sparing the victim the ordeal of having to give evidence.

Handing down the six year jail term, Judge Marrinan ordered the man to spend a further four years on licence when he is released.

He also granted a sexual offences prevention order for five years and ordered the man to sign the sex offenders register for an indefinite period.