Neill Shotter denied a catalogue of charges which took place over a period spanning more than 10 years, but was convicted following a trial at Maidstone Crown Court.
Shotter, 52, was arrested in December 2015 at his home in Bishops Oak Ride.
A Kent Police investigation revealed evidence of repeated sexual abuse and violence against a woman, which first took place in the 1990s. In one example, he raped the victim whilst holding a knife to her stomach.
Shotter pleaded not guilty to four counts of rape, four of indecent assault and three counts of sexual assault.
Apart from one count of indecent assault – for which the judge instructed the jury to deliver a not-guilty verdict – Shotter was convicted on all other charges.
He was also charged with nine other unrelated offences against other victims, four of which he admitted.
On February 27 he was sentenced to 27 years. He must also sign on to the sex offender register and was made subject of a restraining order, both of which run indefinitely.
Detective Constable Jackie Curtis of the Vulnerable Investigation Team led the investigation and said: “Neill Shotter is a violent and extremely dangerous individual, responsible for a series of callous, sadistic and profoundly disturbing offences which have caused huge long-term harm and distress to a number of people.
“It is certainly rare to encounter a case where the offender has demonstrated such repeated brutality, without any provocation.
“Thankfully he will now be in prison for a long time and I only hope today’s sentence will at least provide some reassurance and comfort to his victims.”
