Convicted on two counts of rape.

A woman has been praised for her bravery in coming forward and preventing her abuser from escaping justice.

Thomas Ebbs, of Castle Street in Caergwrle, was sentenced to 10 years in prison by a judge at Mold Crown Court. He was found guilty of two counts of rape following a trial.

During the hearing, prosecutor Elen Owen read a statement from Ebbs' victim, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons. The statement described how the attack had profoundly changed her, leaving her feeling like "damaged goods."

"My barriers are completely up. I have become withdrawn from society and shut people out of my life, fearing that I'll give them the opportunity to hurt and destroy me," she wrote. "I do have a sense of relief that the defendant is in custody for now as that means no other woman will have to endure the suffering and life-lasting damage that I have. I am glad women are currently safe from who I deem a sexual predator. I still pray that the defendant takes accountability, accepts this is wrong and gets help so this never happens again."

The woman also shared that she is seeking counseling to gradually recover from the trauma inflicted upon her by Ebbs.

In addition to his prison sentence, Judge David Hale ordered Ebbs to be registered as a sex offender for life on the national register. An indefinite restraining order was also issued, prohibiting him from any contact with the victim.

Following the sentencing, Investigating Officer DS Helen Evans stated, "I welcome today's sentence and I hope this shows to other victims of such serious and life changing offences that we take all incidents of Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) very seriously, and that these offences are a high priority for the force."

"This was an incredibly difficult investigation for the victim, who has shown immense courage throughout. I applaud her for taking the difficult step in reporting the matter to us at the outset and I hope she can now focus on trying to re-build her life. We will continue to place offenders before the court to face justice for heinous crimes such as these."