Kolkata: Former South African and United Kingdom club crickter Dion Taljard has been sentenced to 18 years of imprisonment after he was found guilty on 19 counts of rape by the Minshull Street Crown Court on Wednesday in greater Manchester, England.
According to a report in mirror.co.uk, the 47 -year-old fast bowler, raped the victim more than 150 times between 2002 to 2012 forcibly, threatening and telling her ‘I want to have sex with you’ and ‘you will comply.’
Talijard would also hold the victims’ throat until she passed out. She was frightened and even tried to take her own life at one stage but came forward three years after the abuse had ended and informed the police.
Justice Maurice Greene who headed the court proceedings said on his judgement, “You used violence towards this woman over and above even the rapes themselves. You manipulated her and sent her threatening text messages to her to get your own way… She has had to have to counsel since these matters came to light.”
“You were a professional sportsman and I have read nine testimonials from people who say you are an honest and trustworthy person. But you were violent towards her and you pose a significant risk of causing significant harm and future offending”, the judge added.
The cricketer who is a father of three however denied the charges and called the woman’s story ‘all lies’. His girlfriend Jacqueline Costello along with his few friends and fans have started an online campaign against the condemn.
Dion who played for South African club Border also has a record of taking a hat-trick against a Pakistan test team during his time at the UK. He played 25 first-class matches for Border, taking 60 wickets at an average of 30.93 with two five-wicket hauls, before coming to the United Kingdom in 2000.
The accused, who is a public figure and is immensely respected in the cricket circle, has not only been sentenced to imprisonment but also has been ordered to sign the sex offenders register for the rest of his life.