A predator who raped and violently beat a woman in her mid-20s has been jailed for eight years.

In his first attack, Lakhvinder Singh, 35, from Hayes, repeatedly punched his victim in the face, causing severe bleeding and bruising.

She admitted herself to Ealing Hospital’s A&E, where she had to undergo treatment for a fractured eye socket.

The attack happened at an address in Hayes in October last year, but Singh later apologised to his victim, who he knew, and she did not report the incident at the time.

The next month, on November 5, Singh raped her at the same address.

She went to Uxbridge police station immediately and police arrested Singh the same day, before swiftly charging him and remanding him in custody.

Meanwhile, officers specialising in domestic abuse launched an investigation.

The Metropolitan Police said: "It became evident through first-hand accounts that the victim had been subjected on a number of occasions to violence and non-consensual sexual intercourse."

On Monday (April 20), Singh was sentenced at Isleworth Crown Court, having pleaded guilty to one count of rape and another of grievous bodily harm.

He was also placed on the sex offenders register for life.

Detective Inspector Stephen O’Connor said: “We pay immense tribute to the victim, who stood up to Singh by supporting the police investigation and bravely recounting a violent and frightening association with a man who she trusted at the time.

“This positive outcome is testimony to our commitment to relentlessly pursuing violent offenders responsible for abuse, whatever the circumstances are.

“We have a dedicated and experienced team of officers who offer the highest level of support, respect and confidence to victims of domestic abuse.

“Together with our partners, we will continue to make Hillingdon the most hostile environment for perpetrators and will make every effort bring them before the courts at every opportunity.”