A father whose sons died in a house fire has been jailed indefinitely for raping their mother.

Stewart Jenkins' sons Lewis, seven, and Taylor, five, died in each others arms during the blaze at their home in Milfoil Drive, Eastbourne home last year.

The brothers were overcome by choking smoke and were found huddled together in an alcove under the stairs.

Two months earlier Jenkins had humiliated and raped the boys' mother after she told him she did not want to have sex with him.

Jenkins, 34, claimed she made up the allegations after he told her he wanted to take the children away from her.

He was found guilty of one charge of rape by a majority verdict of 11 to one after a trial at Hove Crown Court in May.

He was cleared of two further rape charges alleged to have taken place between 2003 and July last year.

He admitted assaulting his former partner of 13 years and two neighbours who tried to help her.

During the trial the jury was told the boys' mother, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was interviewed by police after the fire but did not face criminal charges.

Jenkins claimed his former partner was constantly drunk and violent towards him.

His victim said she was petrified when Jenkins grabbed her around the throat and later raped her on July 28 last year.

She said he repeatedly threw water over her and ordered her to get up off the sofa as she tried to comfort Lewis who was upset by him shouting at her.

She added: “I said no five or six times. He would have done it anyway and used violence.”

Jenkins was given an indeterminate prison sentence for public protection when he appeared at Hove Crown Court for sentence yesterday. (fri) He will not be freed until it is considered safe for him to be released and will have to serve at least three-and-a-half years before he can be considered for parole.

Rowan Jenkins, (crct) defending, said Jenkins is still deeply affected by the death of his sons and has not received counselling in prison.

He said: “He cannot forget the fears he then expressed to the police when he was arrested for this offence as to the future of those children. Alas it turned out so to be.

He added that Jenkins intended to live in Spain when he was released.

Judge Anthony Niblett said: “It is not part of this court's duty to reflect the tragedy of the loss of those two boys or the devastating impact on this defendant when he was already in custody.

“I am satisfied that this young woman loved the defendant and in his own way he loved her.

“I am also satisfied that there is a background of intimidation towards her.

“Over a prolonged period of time he subjected her to emotional abuse.

“On July 28 he used serious violence against her and subjected her to rape despite her repeated protest.

“He then repeatedly humiliated her by throwing water over her and in other ways.”

Jenkins must also register as a sex offender and is banned from contacting his victim indefinitely.