A vile abuser who repeatedly raped a woman while pouring hot tea over her has been jailed for 16 years and ordered to stay away from his victim for life - as she revealed her hopes to 'start living again'.

Bilal Alfroh, from Gorton, subjected his victim to a brutal 'campaign of physical and sexual violence'.

On one occasion Alfroh violently threw a gym weight at her, the court heard.

The 34-year-old would 'become aggressive' towards the woman and raped her on multiple occasions, Greater Manchester Police said.

After the victim came forward, police launched an investigation.

Alfroh was charged and jailed on Friday at Minshull Crown Court, having previously been found guilty of several counts of rape and actual bodily harm.

In a statement, his victim said: 'I would like to thank everyone who was with me, supported me and made me feel that I was never alone.

'Even those I may have only seen once but who made me feel safe at that moment, thanks for everything. 

'I hope that one day I can forget all this and start living again. Thank you for taking the time to listen to what I had to say.'

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Adam Gawecki said: 'The victim has shown immense bravery in reporting these horrific crimes so Alfroh could be brought to justice. 

'In her statement, she detailed the impact this horrific series of incidents has had on her - how it has impacted on her ability to socialize, and how it affects her sleep and depression.

'The victim detailed how the defendant would become aggressive towards her and raped her multiple times.'

Alfroh will serve at least two-thirds of his sentence. A lifetime restraining order has also been issued to protect his victim.