Joseph Peplow Imprisoned for Rape and Threats Against New Partner

An individual convicted of raping his new girlfriend and making threats to kill her has been sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison. According to Hertfordshire Police, Joseph Peplow, during a relationship that lasted one month, prevented his partner, whom he had met through an online platform, from having male friends and instructed her to alter “revealing” attire. The 26-year-old, residing at London Road, Sawbridgeworth, had previously been found guilty at St Albans Crown Court on charges including controlling and coercive behaviour, assault by beating, making threats to kill, and three counts of rape. Det Con Abi Wilkins stated, “The start of this relationship should have been new and exciting, but instead Peplow acted in the most repugnant way and, at times, had his victim fearing for her life.” Police reported that following their online meeting, Peplow collected his victim in his vehicle in January of this year. He transported them to his residence, a destination to which she had not consented. Subsequent to consensual kissing, Peplow forcibly moved the victim to his bedroom and raped her despite her repeated verbal refusals of “no”. On a separate occasion, police indicated that he raped her when she was partially asleep, unresponsive, and incapable of providing consent. The police stated that the pair maintained their meetings “as Peplow asserted his dominance and manipulated her.” He insisted on seeing her every day, exhibiting a pattern of alternating between seemingly kind conduct and intimidation. His threats included raping her, physically assaulting her, killing her, and setting her house ablaze with her inside. At one point, he informed her that she was fortunate he did not throw acid in her face. Police also reported that Peplow caused his partner to experience guilt and concern for him by threatening self-harm. The criminal acts occurred between January 9 and February 9, 2024. Det Con Abi Wilkins, representing Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Domestic Abuse Investigation and Safeguarding Unit (DAISU), commented: “Joseph Peplow’s abhorrent actions have had a long-lasting impact on the victim, who continues to try and rebuild her life following this harrowing experience.” She further added, “Peplow tried to squeeze any sense of autonomy out of her life by wanting to see her every day, demanding to know where she was going and who she was with.” Wilkins commended the victim’s “bravery” for reporting the crimes and aiding in the trial proceedings. She concluded, “Peplow has received a substantial prison sentence as he poses a dangerous threat to society, and I hope this result allows the victim to move on from this ordeal.” The sentencing of Peplow took place at Luton Crown Court. News updates for Beds, Herts, and Bucks are available on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding their approach to external linking is available.