An abusive and violent rapist has been branded a near "monster" by a judge.

Christopher Moore, 30, of Coombe Valley Road in Dover, is facing a possible life sentence after being found guilty of nine sex attacks.

He also throttled, punched and kicked his victim and threatened to kill her pet dog.

Judge James O’Mahony told him: "It is my job to assess criminal behaviour and to find the right words to describe it.

"However heinous and grave the crimes, it has always been my practice not to use insulting words towards a defendant.

"The evidence given in this trial has disclosed monstrous behaviour on your part" - Judge James O'Mahony, to Moore

"So I stop short of calling you a monster but the evidence given in this trial has disclosed monstrous behaviour on your part and it is highly likely you are extremely dangerous towards women."

Prosecutor Dominic Connolly told Canterbury Crown Court that after the victim reported the offences, Moore set about a course to intimidate her.

Even though he was locked up in prison, he managed to get her number and then sent threats, prompting her to withdraw her support for a prosecution.

The jury found him guilty of nine rape charges and on the judge's direction returned guilty verdicts on harassment and controlling behaviour.

The judge adjourned sentence for five weeks pending a report to assess what danger he poses to the public and remanded him in custody.

He told Moore: "It is certain that you face a very, very long jail sentence which maybe of a indeterminate length."

Judge O’Mahony then thanked Mr Connolly and defence counsel Timothy Brennand for conducting the week-long trial with the "utmost skill".

And he thanked the jury, telling them: “What a case you had to try.

"These cases are always upsetting. Sex cases, like this, always give rise to great upset."