KERN RAYNE – NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE

Newcastle domestic abuser jailed after campaign of violence, control and ‘cocaine-fuelled paranoia’

A Newcastle man who subjected his partner to more than two-and-a-half years of domestic abuse, violence and controlling behaviour has been jailed for three years and four months.

Kern Rayne, 40, was found guilty by a jury of controlling and coercive behaviour after denying wrongdoing.

Newcastle Crown Court heard the abuse took place between January 2023 and September 2025, with the judge finding Rayne had repeatedly subjected the woman to violence, intimidation, accusations and controlling behaviour.

Judge Edward Bindloss rejected Rayne’s attempt to characterise the relationship as a “two-way toxic relationship” in which both sides were equally to blame. The judge said he was satisfied Rayne had been the aggressor.

A number of incidents were found to have been proved, including Rayne throwing a bottle at the woman’s head, repeatedly punching her, pouring coffee and bleach over her and damaging her kitchen worktop and car.

The court also heard he sent her repeated messages demanding that she prove where she was.

The woman told the court the effect on her mental health had been devastating and said she continues to struggle every day with the impact of what happened.

She said that while Rayne told the court he could not remember what had happened, she would never forget what he had done to her.

The court heard Rayne’s behaviour was prolonged and persistent and involved numerous incidents of violence.

Judge Bindloss said Rayne displayed significant sexual jealousy as well as what he described as “cocaine-fuelled paranoia”.

Rayne repeatedly accused the woman of being unfaithful, allegations the judge described as completely unfounded.

At the same time, the court heard Rayne would boast and taunt her about his own sexual affairs.

He was also found to have lied to and “gaslighted” the woman while isolating her from members of her family and her friends.

The woman said she could never forgive him and told the court Rayne knew her account was true but had never accepted responsibility for what he had done or shown remorse.

Judge Bindloss told Rayne it was clear he had failed to take responsibility for his behaviour and continued to blame his victim.

The judge said Rayne remained a long way from accepting what he had done.

Rayne, who worked as an offshore welder, was sentenced to three years and four months in prison for the controlling and coercive behaviour.