Gwinnett Man Pleads Guilty To Rape

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA -- A who was living homeless in Gwinnett County has admitted to violently raping a woman, after his victim testified against him in court.

Edward Bernard Sutton, 29, pleaded guilty to rape, aggravated assault and family-violence battery mid-trial on Wednesday, after his victim took the stand, the Gwinnett County District Attorney's office said.

According to prosecutors, Sutton had called the victim multiple times from jail, apologizing for the attack and asking her not to show up at his trial.

On August 26, 2015, the victim had agreed to meet Sutton, who is originally from Atlanta and was homeless at the time of the attack. Sutton demanded sex from her and the victim refused, prosecutors said.

As she attempted to get away, Sutton struck her from behind and strangled her. She wound up falling down a hill and Sutton attacked her again, ripping her pants and violently sexually assaulting her.

The attack happened near Medlock Bridge Road and Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, just inside the city limits of Norcross.

Prosecutors say the victim immediately reported the crime to police and a sexual assault examination was completed, confirming that a rape had occurred.

Sutton's trial had begun on Monday.

Superior Court Judge Fred Bishop sentenced Sutton to 20 years imprisonment, with 12 years to serve in confinement.