'EVIL' Michael Podmore faces life behind bars for raping and torturing a woman whom he imprisoned in his home.

Podmore, 39, of Newport, pictured, raped the terrified woman, torturing and beating her in a horrific three-week ordeal that only ended when she managed to escape from his Risca Road flat.

His victim's mother described him as "evil" and a "sicko".

Yesterday he was convicted by majority verdict at Cardiff crown court of three counts of rape, three counts of making threats to kill, false imprisonment, attempted grievous bodily harm with intent and two counts of actual bodily harm. He had denied all the charges, saying the woman had consented.

After the jury of eight women and four men returned their verdict, Judge John Griffith Williams, QC, said he would be sentencing Podmore to life.

His victim's mother wept with relief as she left the court, stating: "He is an evil man and I am glad the sicko is off the streets."

The woman, who cannot be identified to protect the identity of her daughter, added: "This was every mother's nightmare and I am so relieved it is over. Justice has finally been done for what he did to my daughter and every other girl."

The court had heard how the woman had been imprisoned for up to three weeks and repeatedly raped.

On one occasion Podmore attached crocodile clips to her nipples and gave her short electric shocks.

She narrowly avoided serious injury when Podmore aimed a hammer at her head.

He threatened to kill her and blow up her mother and children, and claimed he was going to kill himself in a bid to frighten her.

A change in the law also allowed jurors to hear evidence from women who had previously been Podmore's victims.

And after the trial one of his previous victims told the Argus: "He is a dangerous man who should be locked away."

Detective Sergeant Christine Adams, who headed the team investigating Podmore, said: "It's the nastiest case I've had to work on."

She praised the women who helped finally bring him to justice, saying: "They've shown tremendous courage in coming to court and reliving their experiences, such strength of character."

Judge Griffiths Williams adjourned sentencing until September 11 to determine a minimum tariff for Podmore to serve.

He said: "My duty to the public requires that I find out just how much of a danger to the public he is before I pass sentence."