MICHAEL REILLY aka ZUZU BUTCH – LONDON/ROMFORD

London man jailed for 20 years for raping and abusing woman in campaign of violence and control

5 November 2024 – London

A man has been jailed for 20 years after subjecting a woman to a harrowing campaign of rape, violence, and coercive control.

Michael Reilly was found guilty at Snaresbrook Crown Court on 4 November 2024 of a series of serious offences, including two counts of rape, grievous bodily harm, intentional strangulation, and controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate relationship.

During the trial, the court heard how Reilly repeatedly abused his victim both physically and psychologically, leaving her traumatised and fearful for her life. He exerted control over every part of her daily existence, using intimidation, emotional manipulation, and violence to maintain power over her.

Evidence presented to the court detailed incidents of severe assaults, including intentional strangulation and inflicting grievous bodily harm, as well as sustained emotional abuse that left lasting psychological scars.

Reilly’s offences included:
• Two counts of rape of a woman aged 16 or over
• Wounding / inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent
• Intentional strangulation
• Engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate or family relationship

He was sentenced to 20 years in prison for the two rape charges, with additional concurrent sentences of two years for wounding, two years for intentional strangulation, and four years for coercive control.

The sentencing judge described the case as one of sustained and devastating abuse, telling Reilly that his actions had caused long-term emotional harm.

Victim support services praised the survivor’s bravery and strength in coming forward and enduring the court process. Support remains in place to help her rebuild her life after what prosecutors described as a “campaign of fear and domination.”