A MAN with a history of domestic violence has been jailed for life after being convicted of attacking and raping his girlfriend.

Jason O’Dell, 43, attacked the 38-year-old at her home in Kendal Way, East Chesterton, Cambridge, on September 5, last year, fracturing five of her ribs, giving her two black eyes and breaking her nose.

To hide the assault he kept her holed up in his Norfolk flat for two weeks, made her dye her hair so she would not be recognised and subjected her to horrific abuse.

During that time O’Dell raped her while she was in agony from the injuries inflicted by the assaults.

He broke his victim’s nose three times, stubbed out cigarettes on her skin and ordered her to scrub her own blood from the floor to remove evidence of his assault.

He also raped her in his car on September 16.

O’Dell denied the offences but was convicted of three rapes, two counts of actual bodily harm, common assault, criminal damage and affray following a trial at Norwich Crown Court.

The 43-year-old, who has 20 previous convictions for 79 offences, was jailed for life and must serve a minimum of nine years.

The victim, whose identity is being protected, said: “I only met him in July last year, I didn’t plan to get into a relationship with him but I was helpless against his mind games. It all built up to September 5, my son’s birthday. Then bang, it all started. After that I just couldn’t get out of the cycle of his beating and abusing me.

“From the moment I met him, I had a feeling deep down that something bad was going to happen but didn’t know what to do to stop it.

“I’m a strong person but he completely messed my head up. It’s like I have been on another planet these last few months.

“I have lost a really well-paid job, had to move completely out of the area away from my children and start all over again. If it wasn’t for the Salvation Army and other charities I would be on the streets.

“If I hadn’t gone to police I have no doubt he would have come after me. Even if I had managed to get away there would be another woman out there who would be his next victim. He might have even ended up killing her. He almost killed me.

“I just hope this gives other victims the strength to come forward and speak up.”

Det Con Owen Hurley said: “The victim in this case has shown great courage. Without her fortitude this prosecution could never have succeeded and O’Dell would have still been free to hurt others.

“The support offered to her by her friend and a concerned family member, who had also contacted police, was crucial to keeping her safe. Everyone can play a part in tackling domestic abuse.

“O’Dell spent most of his life in Cambridge and had a reputation for violence. I want to thank those witnesses who came forward and made statements about his past behaviour and his publicly violent and intimidating actions.

“Domestic abuse causes long-term harm to victims and their children. As in this case it can escalate to a level which is life threatening.

“We will continue to intervene, support victims and bring offenders to justice.”