Ethan Nolan, 24, from Bristol, was sentenced to 19 years and six months in prison on 12 March 2026 after being found guilty of raping and psychologically abusing two women in Bristol and Surrey. The court heard that Nolan targeted vulnerable women in controlling relationships, escalating from psychological to violent sexual abuse over a period of several years.

Who Is Ethan Nolan?

Ethan Nolan was born on 13 October 2001, making him 24 years old at the time of sentencing in March 2026. He is from Bristol. He had no significant criminal record prior to these offences. The court heard that his pattern of behaviour showed a calculated and predatory approach to forming relationships with women, which he would then use as a vehicle for control and abuse.

Offences Against the First Victim (Bristol)

In 2022, Nolan entered into a relationship with a woman in Bristol. During this relationship, he raped her while she slept. After the assault, he attempted to minimise what had happened, telling her that what he had done was normal. The victim, who had trusted him as a partner, was left traumatised by both the abuse and his subsequent manipulation. Nolan was convicted of rape arising from this relationship.

Offences Against the Second Victim (Surrey)

In April 2023, Nolan began a relationship with a second woman, this time in Surrey. He quickly established a pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour: isolating her from friends, dictating how she dressed, and coercing her into giving him her bank cards and transferring money to him. This psychological abuse escalated to physical and sexual violence. Nolan raped this woman on two separate occasions within a matter of months. He was also convicted of intentional strangulation in relation to this victim — a charge which reflects the extreme violence involved. Surrey Police described him as a “dangerous man.”

Trial and Conviction

Ethan Nolan stood trial at Bristol Crown Court in January 2026. The proceedings lasted six days. The jury found him guilty on all counts: three counts of rape, two counts of controlling and coercive behaviour, one count of sexual assault by penetration, one count of sexual assault by touching, and one count of intentional strangulation. Following conviction, Nolan was remanded in custody to await sentencing. He was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life and handed a lifelong restraining order preventing any contact with either victim.

Sentencing: 19 Years and Six Months

On 12 March 2026, Ethan Nolan was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court to 19 years and six months in prison. The length of the sentence reflects the serious and repeated nature of his offending across two victims and multiple offence types, including rape, sexual assault, controlling behaviour, and intentional strangulation. Judges in cases of this nature take into account the level of harm caused to victims, any planning involved, and any aggravating factors such as the breach of trust involved in a relationship context.

The sentencing judge stated that Nolan posed a significant danger to women and that a lengthy custodial term was necessary to protect the public. Under UK sentencing rules, Nolan will serve at least two-thirds of his custodial term before becoming eligible for Parole Board consideration, in line with the rules for serious violent and sexual offences. For information on how the UK prison system manages convicted sex offenders, see our guide on the UK Parole Board. Family members of those imprisoned can also visit our page on sending money to a prisoner and booking a prison visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Ethan Nolan in prison?

Ethan Nolan is in prison after being convicted at Bristol Crown Court of three counts of rape, two counts of controlling and coercive behaviour, sexual assault by penetration, sexual assault by touching, and intentional strangulation. He abused two women in Bristol and Surrey between 2022 and 2023. He was sentenced to 19 years and six months in March 2026.

How long is Ethan Nolan’s sentence?

Ethan Nolan received a sentence of 19 years and six months in prison. For serious violent and sexual offences, UK law requires offenders to serve at least two-thirds of their sentence before they can be considered for release by the Parole Board.

Which court sentenced Ethan Nolan?

Ethan Nolan was tried and sentenced at Bristol Crown Court. The trial took place in January 2026 and he was sentenced on 12 March 2026.

What was Ethan Nolan convicted of?

Ethan Nolan was convicted of three counts of rape, two counts of controlling and coercive behaviour, one count of sexual assault by penetration, one count of sexual assault by touching, and one count of intentional strangulation. The offences involved two separate women in Bristol and Surrey.

Is Ethan Nolan on the Sex Offenders Register?

Yes. Following his conviction at Bristol Crown Court, Ethan Nolan was placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life. He was also issued a lifelong restraining order preventing him from contacting either of his victims.