Ghosthunter is jailed for rape

A ghosthunter and film-maker has been jailed for four and a half years for raping an aspiring actress he met through his love of film.

Gaz Coward, 29, is lead investigator for online TV show Paranormal Intent, and has investigated several Lancashire locations for spooks, including The Cedar Tavern in St John’s Square, Blackpool, and the Grapevine pub in Poulton.

But last month the film-maker, who has 26 director credits to his name, was convicted of rape following a trial at Preston Crown Court.

Shortly before the trial he told his internet followers: “I have got a lot of stuff taking place next week which means I won’t be able to upload a video.” Coward, of Birchwood Drive, Hambleton, denied rape at Preston Crown Court but was convicted of both counts following a trial in September.

The court heard he first attacked the woman at the home she shared with her children, after she had made it clear she did not want to have sex.