A Gwinnett County man did not want a woman he allegedly raped last summer to testify.
While in custody awaiting trial, Edward Sutton, 29, repeatedly called the victim, the Gwinnett District Attorney’s Office said Wednesday. He apologized for the Aug. 26, 2015, assault and asked her not to come court, officials said.
His trial started Monday. Despite Sutton’s pleas, the victim testified.
On Wednesday, midway through the trial, Sutton pleaded guilty to rape, aggravated assault and family violence battery, Chief Assistant District Attorney Dan Mayfield said.
According to prosecutors, Sutton demanded sex from the woman. When she refused and tried to get away, he struck her from behind and strangled her, officials said.
“She was able to to briefly escape but fell down a nearby hill,” Mayfield said in a press release.
That’s when Sutton “violently sexually assaulted her,” Mayfield said.
Scientific testing confirmed a sexual assault occurred, he said.
After entering his guilty plea, Sutton was sentenced to 20 years in prison. He will spend 12 years in confinement, Mayfield said.
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