A man a judge described as carrying out a reign of tyranny for more than 25 years on two former partners is beginning a 19-year jail term.
Leslie McGeachin was sentenced in the Wellington District Court on Tuesday on multiple charges of sexual and other violence, and ordered to serve at least nine years behind bars.
The 48-year-old was sentenced on more than 20 charges relating to violence he meted out to two women, including rape, sexual violation and assault.
He had pleaded guilty to some of the charges and a jury found him guilty of the rest.
Judge Peter Hobbs said both McGeachin's relationships were marked by repeated rapes and physical abuse and statements from his victims made poignant and distressing reading.
The judge said the victims described feeling shamed and humiliated by McGeachin's treatment of them.
Both women sought protection orders, which Judge Hobbs granted.
