Rape survivor feared for her life after thug pinned her underwater twice

Rape survivor feared for her life after thug pinned her underwater twice Damon Furmedge, 36, installed cameras and microphones around his victim's home and carried out a campaign of intimidation and violence against her, police have said A violent predator raped a woman and left her fearing she was going to die after he twice held her head underwater, an anonymous police call revealed. Damon Furmedge, 36, twice pinned his victim underwater and tracker her movements in addition to installing cameras in the woman's home, Cheshire Police said. The force first received an anonymous call about Furmedge's behaviour toward his victim in November 2024. Police later spoke to her on her own, although she was initially reluctant to give any information to officers and she was frightened. After gaining her trust, the victim went on to tell police she had been raped, strangled and abused by Furmedge. She later told officers she had been raped, strangled and abused by Furmedge. The woman told officers about the first time she was assaulted when Furmedge threw her full clothed into a bath-full of water and held her underwater by her neck. He held his victim down twice and left her terrified that she would die, Cheshire Police said. The woman was then faced with a catalogue of threats, violence and controlling behaviour which left her so scared that she considered taking her own life in a bid to escape, reports the Manchester Evening News. She said Furmedge installed cameras and microphones at her home, while he also monitored her movements by tracking her phone and threatened to harm her. Furmedge, formerly of Winsford, Cheshire, was ultimately found guilty of rape, assault and two counts of controlling and coercive behaviour following an eight-day trial at Chester Crown Court, which ended on May 29. He was held in custody and is due to be sentenced on July 17. Following case, detective constable Hannah Lamborn of 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."