A woman who suffered a series of violent rapes at the hands of a former bodybuilder in Cornwall has been praised for her "sheer courage and resilience" and declared "a remarkable and truly inspirational lady". 

The two police officers involved in the case of former bodybuilder Matthew James Gardner, from Redruth, were speaking following his sentencing. 

The 34-year-old was found guilty after a trial in January, at Truro Crown Court, of 14 charges including nine counts of rape, assault by penetration and four other charges.

At the sentencing hearing on Thursday (September 19) Gardner was sentenced to 18 years in prison, of which he must serve at least two thirds behind bars before even being considered for parole, with a further four years on licence once released. He was told he must sign the sex offenders’ register for life.

READ MORE: 'Narcissist' ex body builder jailed for 18 years for catalogue of hideous abuse

Over the course of the trial the jury heard that Gardner operated using fear over his victim.

He raped his victim despite her being unwell during one of the numerous attacks.

During another incident he forced a sock in her mouth and raped her.

The attacks were physically violent and degrading and left the victim in immense pain.

Gardner insisted that all the sexual encounters were completely consensual.

Matthew GardnerMatthew Gardner (Image: Devon and Cornwall Police) Detective Constable Joanne Sodergren and Detective Constable Emma Sandry of Devon and Cornwall Police, the officers in the case, said: “We are pleased that Matthew Gardner has now been sentenced and the victim has some closure and can start to look to the future without fear.

“We would both like to express our sincere gratitude and admiration to the victim for her sheer courage and resilience throughout.

“Without her engagement and patience, we would have been unable to achieve justice for her. It is thanks to her bravery that other women will be protected from harm.

"She is a remarkable and truly inspirational lady.”