Search results for Gateshead

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Convicted child sex offender Darron Wilkinson avoided activation of a two-year suspended prison sentence after breaching his Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) by travelling to Dublin for work without notifying police, claiming he did not realise the Republic of Ireland is not part of the UK.

Wilkinson, 51, of Portmeads Rise, Birtley, appeared at Durham Crown Court on 28 August 2026. He had already been given a last chance in May after admitting he failed to give police seven days’ notice of four long-haul delivery trips to Dublin between 21 January and 13 April.

The two-year suspended sentence was imposed at Newcastle Crown Court in August 2025 after he pleaded guilty to three offences arising from sexualised communication with what he believed was a 12-year-old girl on an online chat site. He suggested travelling to Coventry for a sexual liaison. The “girl” was an undercover police officer. He was also made subject to a ten-year SHPO and ten-year sex offender registration.

At the May hearing, when he lived at Victoria Terrace, Trimdon Colliery, Recorder Mark McKone told him: “It seems to me you put your work before this court order.” Sentence was deferred until 27 November on condition of no further breaches. Bail conditions that had cost Wilkinson his job were lifted so he could try to return to work.

He was back before the same court after an undeclared iPhone was found when he was arrested on 26 April. The phone had been in his possession for six weeks. The court heard that breach pre-dated the May appearance.

Recorder McKone said he would again give Wilkinson “the benefit of the doubt”, as he had when “you went to the Republic of Ireland, believing it was still part of the UK.”

Dan Wilberforce, defending, said the problem was Wilkinson’s “understanding of the order”, made worse by partial literacy and that he “struggles with documentation.”

The Recorder said: “Between January 21 and April 13 this year you went to Dublin four times and, when you left, you were required to give seven days’ notice to the police. It’s your case you didn’t realise the Republic of Ireland is not part of the UK.”

Wilkinson was fined £50. The deferred sentence remains in place until 27 November.

Recorder McKone told him: “My advice to you is, if in doubt, ask your probation officer to check you are not further breaching the order.”

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Craig Ferguson Jailed for 11 Years for Sexually Assaulting Two Schoolgirls in Gateshead

A predatory child sex offender who sexually assaulted two school-aged girls in Gateshead has been jailed for 11 years.

Craig Ferguson, 46, of Ulverston Gardens, Gateshead, tried to buy the complicity of one victim by supplying her with cannabis before the offences were reported.

Northumbria Police’s Safeguarding Department carried out a complex investigation. Ferguson was arrested and charged after initially denying any wrongdoing.

On 6 May, following a six-day trial at Newcastle Crown Court, he was found guilty of 10 child sexual offences. He had previously pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis and a bladed article.

On 12 June he was sentenced to 11 years’ imprisonment with a one-year extended licence, having been classified as a dangerous offender. He must serve at least two-thirds of the sentence before release.

Ferguson will remain on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life and is subject to a lifelong Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) plus two lifelong restraining orders protecting his victims.

Detective Sergeant Alan Gibbons said:  

“Craig Ferguson is a sexual predator who has continually taken advantage of vulnerable children for his own sexual gains. As always, my thoughts and appreciation go towards the two victim-survivors in this case, who both came forward to make reports around this dangerous man.

“They’ve both shown great bravery and dignity through the entire investigation and court process – which has now ended with their abuser being put behind bars for a lengthy stint. The sexual abuse of children is horrific and, as a Force, we’ll relentlessly pursue justice against anyone who looks to take advantage of the most vulnerable amongst us – children.

“No-one should ever have to experience this type of criminality, but please know if you have, we’re here and we’re ready to listen.”

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A man has been jailed for almost a decade after raping a woman.

William Flamson raped the woman at an address in Gateshead in September 2024.

The victim-survivor disclosed what had happened to a friend, who then quickly reported it to the police.

Flamson was arrested shortly afterwards and questioned in connection with the offence. He denied any wrongdoing and was released on bail.

The now 41-year-old was later charged with one count of rape. He pleaded not guilty to the offence.

After a three-day trial at Newcastle Crown Court in February 2026, where the victim gave evidence against him, Flamson of St Cuthberts Court, Bensham, Gateshead, was found guilty of rape.

He was also charged with one count of theft which he pleaded not guilty to and was later acquitted at trial.

He appeared the same court on Monday (March 30) where he was sentenced to nine years behind bars.

Flamson will also spend the rest of his life on the Sex Offenders Register and was given an indefinite restraining order.

In a Victim Personal Statement (VPS) read to the court, the victim-survivor said:

“My life changed forever on the day I was raped by William Flamson.

“While I am trying to rebuild my life, it won’t ever be the same.

“I now consider him to be a horrible dirty beast who has ruined my life.

“Until this happened to me, I would’ve described my life as brilliant.

“Through the actions of Flamson, I am no longer able to do the things I used to enjoy.

“Since he raped me, I have been unable to sleep. If I did manage to sleep, I would regularly have nightmares seeing his face and relive what he did to me.

“I have been petrified to leave my house alone, fearing I would see him outside.

“I used to take several showers a day and scrub myself clean as I felt disgusting and dirty. I would scrub until my skin was raw.

“As I was fearful of leaving the house, I also had to leave my job. I had to leave through no fault of my own and due to the actions of Flamson.

“My partner has been very supportive and is helping me rebuild my life.

“I have thought about what I would like to say to Flamson today. The only words I have are that I hate you. I hate you for what you have done to me. I hate you for ruining my life. I hate you for making me feel disgusting and dirty.

“With the love and support of my family, I will now rebuild my life, although it will never be the same.”

Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Constable Steven Raeburn from the Force’s Safeguarding Department said:

“Flamson’s actions were predatory and cruel.

“This was a woman who was subjected to an appalling and lifechanging ordeal.

“I want to commend her extraordinary courage — not only in coming forward, but in supporting the investigation and seeing the judicial process through to conclusion.

“No sentence can undo the trauma she has endured, but I hope today’s outcome provides some measure of reassurance that he has been held fully accountable for what he did.

“We remain absolutely committed to pursuing offenders like Flamson and ensuring victims receive the support, respect and protection they deserve.

“I would urge anyone who has experienced sexual violence to come forward and speak to us. You will be listened to, you will be believed, and we will do everything we can to help you.”

Description

A rapist was jailed after police caught him in the act of attacking a woman he had met that day.

Paul Batey, 35, of Dorset Avenue, Birtley, Gateshead, was found naked and forcing himself on the victim when officers arrived at his home after she dialled 999.

The court heard the pair had been drinking alcohol before Batey took her upstairs under the guise of showing her his record decks, where he launched the attack, reports Chronicle Live.

Prosecutor Vince Ward told the court:

“The operator could hear her crying and him shouting in the background. The police attended very promptly and it appears they interrupted the offence.”

“She begged him to stop and was crying but that didn’t deter him. He was in the process of raping her when the police arrived at the door.”

Batey shouted “f*** off” at officers from the window before they entered and arrested him. He then pushed, punched and kicked a police constable.

The victim said she felt “dirty” for days afterwards, despite repeated baths and showers, and became extremely suicidal. She had made more than one attempt on her life; the offence made those feelings worse.

Batey, who had previous convictions but none for sexual offences, pleaded guilty to rape and assaulting an emergency worker.

He was jailed for five years, ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life and given a restraining order.

Defence solicitor Richard Herrmann said:

“The best mitigation he has got is that he is entitled to some credit for holding his hands up and admitting this and not putting anyone through the ordeal of a trial.”

Description

Connor Dorritt, 22, from Gateshead, has been jailed for two years and eight months after attempting to meet what he believed was a 12-year-old girl for sex at Newcastle Central Station.

Instead, he was confronted by a vigilante group who had set up a decoy profile to catch online child abusers.

Dorritt admitted attempting to cause a child to engage in sexual activity and possessing indecent images of children.

He contacted the profile on December 21, 2023, with the message "hey baby, how are you doing," prosecutor David Povall said. Over several weeks of daily chats, he was repeatedly told she was 12.

Dorritt suggested she visit his home to "hug" and "play games" involving a blindfold, offering up to £50 for her pictures. He then discussed sexual acts, offering money in exchange, and said she could use the cash for her train ticket.

"He encouraged her to keep this secret," Povall said, adding "she must not tell anybody" or he "could be arrested 'because of the age'".

On February 29, 2024, Dorritt arrived at a station coffee shop expecting to meet her but was met by the group. "This was a concerted effort to meet a 12-year-old child for the purposes of [sex]," Povall said.

Police arrested him and found four indecent videos of children aged 10-13 on his phone, totaling 16 minutes—one in the most serious category, three in the second.

Recorder Paul Reid described Dorritt's two-month messages as "deeply sexualised," noting the paedophile "acknowledged her extreme youth" and referred to it "many times." "It is quite clear you had sexual interest in very young children," the judge said, adding Dorritt went to the station to "perform unspeakable sexual acts upon" a 12-year-old.

Dorritt must sign the sex offender register and comply with an indefinite sexual harm prevention order.

Description

Wilson, 49, of Garth Farm Road, Winlaton, Gateshead, denied two charges of rape but was convicted by a jury after a trial.

Mr Recorder Mark Giuliani told him: "You didn't take no for an answer. You decided your desires and your needs were more important than her wishes.

"She was making it clear she wanted you to stop. You didn't.

"She was saying 'no, don't, stop' and you ignored her wishes because you wanted to satisfy your own carnal desire and didn't give a care about her wishes."

Recorder Giuliani described the victim's impact statement as "chilling," noting she felt "so dirty she couldn't even touch her own skin" to clean herself afterwards.

He added: "She describes she was subjected to a violent sexual assault by you which has left her traumatised, scared and has greatly affected her life.

"Afterwards she felt ashamed and dirty, at one point washing herself with Dettol to feel clean again."

The court heard Wilson has a record for violence.

Description

An "extremely dangerous" rapist left his victim in tears, then told her she looked "beautiful" when she was crying.

John Quinn, 30, from Gateshead, sexually assaulted and raped the woman, who was left defenseless due to an injury. He denied the charges but was found guilty by a jury of rape and sexual assault in June. On Wednesday (October 8), Newcastle Crown Court jailed him for eight-and-a-half years.

In her impact statement, the victim said:

“The impact of his abuse continues to negatively impact my life. He’s ripped everything away from me.

“I am always fearful of driving to see my family or walking anywhere close by – and feel as though I am constantly looking over my shoulder, fearing for my safety and for my life.

“I wish I could lock myself away and never have to leave my home again, it is the only place I feel safe.

“Quinn has stripped away all of my confidence and has destroyed every inch of me. I used to be such a bubbly, outgoing person and I am not like that anymore. I am very quiet and constantly live my life in fear.

“I feel I have been given a life sentence. I live with the trauma he has given me every day and know this will stay with me for the rest of my life. I jump at every closing car door; I can't answer my own front door without being fearful; and I become fearful when I receive calls from unknown numbers.

“I am constantly on guard just waiting for the worst to happen. I am not living, I am surviving. He has destroyed my past, present and future. He has destroyed my identity.

“He has destroyed me.”

Quinn, of Barford Court, Gateshead, must remain on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life and was given lifelong Sexual Harm Prevention and restraining orders to protect the victim.

PC Graham Mason of Northumbria Police said:

“John Quinn is an extremely dangerous man who has committed some of the most horrendous crimes someone can go through.

"No-one should ever have to experience this type of abuse – but her resolve and determination to bring her offender to justice should truly be commended.

"I hope after the sentencing today she may be able to start to move forward and re-build her life."

Description

A cocaine-addicted man from Gateshead, who raped and assaulted a woman while degrading and humiliating her, has been sentenced to 24 years in prison.

David Hodgson, 34, left his victim feeling "destroyed" and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety, for which she now requires medication.

During sentencing at Durham Crown Court, the judge described Hodgson as having "unhealthy, perverse sexual desires" and noted that he used his physical strength to overpower the woman.

Hodgson, of Ryton in Gateshead, appeared via video link from HMP Durham on Wednesday.

He was convicted last month after a trial on six counts of rape, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, assault by penetration, and common assault.

The court heard that Hodgson showed "no respect" for his victim and committed the offenses in County Durham.

Recorder Mark Giuliani highlighted that Hodgson was observed "smirking," "yawning," and "looking bored" during the trial.

Prosecutor James Yearsley read the victim's impact statement, in which she said Hodgson had "destroyed" her and that she is now on medication for PTSD, depression, and anxiety.

Defense barrister David Callan argued that Hodgson's expressions were due to a "nervous smile" and emphasized his "good work ethic," noting he had worked all his life.

Callan also mentioned that Hodgson suffered from PTSD following a horrific motorcycle accident and has ADHD.

He added that there was "another side" to Hodgson, reading from a character reference describing him as a "big, friendly giant with a heart of gold."

Recorder Giuliani stated that the offenses involved "significant degradation and humiliation" and that Hodgson posed a "risk of committing further offences."

The judge noted Hodgson's addiction to cocaine at the time of the crimes.

In addition to the 24-year prison sentence, Hodgson was given a lifelong restraining order and must register as a sex offender for life.

Description

A man has avoided jail after he was caught with sexual abuse images of "very young children".

Lewis Chapman started downloading the vile material in 2019 when he was underage himself but continued into early adulthood.

A court heard that the 21-year-old's electronic devices were seized by police when intelligence indicated that the photos were being downloaded at his Ryton home. A total of 26 abuse pictures, including seven category A, which are the most serious kind and involve penetrative sexual activity, were later found on his mobile phone.

Chapman has now been given an 18-month community order after he pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children at Newcastle Magistrates' Court. District Judge Kate Meek told him: "The images did involve very young children, which aggravates the case.

"They did involve category A images, which are the most serious. In your case, you were 14 when this started and, for the vast majority of the time, you were under the age of 18.

"You're a vulnerable young person. I don't doubt that you became involved in these chatrooms and this world at a very early age when nobody at that age should be and you were taken advantage of. You had a disruptive childhood."

The court heard that Chapman started downloading the images in 2019 and his devices were seized by police in 2023. Paul Coulson, prosecuting, said: "On August 3, police attended the defendant's address after receiving intelligence that someone inside the address had been downloading indecent images of children.

"The defendant's mobile phone was identified as being responsible and it was seized, along with other items, including a tablet and charger. They were analysed and forensically examined."

Steven Linsdell-Bell, defending, said Chapman, who has no past convictions, was a youth himself through the majority of the offending. He added: "He naively searched items that people were talking to him about. He didn't understand what those items were."

Chapman was also fined £250, must pay £250 costs and a £114 victim surcharge and must sign the sex offenders register for five years.

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A rapist who reported himself to police after attacking a woman has been jailed for eight years.

James Gregory, 32, called officers soon after sexually assaulting a woman and told them he had "pretty much raped" her with the intercourse "unconsented", Newcastle Crown Court heard.

He then pleaded not guilty to rape, claiming he had made a false confession, but jurors found him guilty.

The victim said she felt "angry, confused and dirty" in the aftermath of the attack, the court heard.

Gregory, of Newbolt Court in Gateshead, must also sign the sex offenders register for life.

Description

A serving police officer sexually assaulted a member of the public and told her: 'I can get away with it, I'm a PC, no-one will believe you'. Albert Jardine was a PC based in Newcastle when he subjected her to "lewd and disgusting" behaviour.

A court heard he would regularly grab her and thrust against her and on one occasion threw water on her blouse to create a wet T-shirt look. The Northumbria Police officer's behaviour was reported to an inspector at the time and the professional standards department investigated but took no action and Jardine retired on medical grounds soon afterwards.

Decades later, his victim, having seen other historic cases being dealt with, plucked up the courage to report him. Jardine, now a 79-year-old great-grandfather, of Millbrook, Felling, Gateshead, was convicted of indecent assault by a jury and has now been given a suspended prison sentence at Newcastle Crown Court.

Christopher Rose, prosecuting, said: "She described how he would come up behind her, grab her and hold her tight. Others spoke of him doing something like a bear hug. When he did it with her, she could feel he was aroused and he pressed himself up against her.

"He also did it from the front, pressing up against her groin and making thrusting motions as if having sex. He would often make lewd comments and jokes."

The prosecutor added: "When it was investigated at the time, one of the complaints that arose was that the defendant had thrown water at her chest so as to create a wet T-shirt effect. The complainant reported when spoken to by senior officers at the time that the defendant said 'I can get away with it, I'm a PC, no-one will believe you'. It was that impression she had that meant she didn't complain sooner."

In a victim impact statement, the woman said: "The actions of Jardine have stayed with me more than 33 years. Despite trying to put it behind me. On a daily basis I see his grinning face in my mind.

"At the time I felt embarrassed and alone." She said she was left wanting answers to questions including: "Why did he treat me like that? Why did the police allow it to happen to me?

"I still feel aggrieved he treated me like he did and the police allowed me to be treated like that."

Jardine was convicted after trial of indecent assault spanning a year in the early 1990s, on the basis there were not less than two separate incidents.

Sentencing him, Judge Julie Clemitson said: "The specific offences have to be seen in the context of your general behaviour towards her, which describes as generally lewd and disgusting, beyond what could be described as acceptable, even then. She said you were quite a nice man if you sat and talked to her but had no respect for her or women generally."

The judge said the offending was reported by another police officer at the time to an inspector and the force's professional standards department investigated but it "came to nothing" and very shortly afterwards he took early retirement due to ill health.

Judge Clemitson said the woman eventually found the courage to come forward after seeing other people report historical cases. She added: "She said she just wanted you to explain yourself, she wanted an answer from you. That she didn't get because you denied it at trial and you deny it still."

She added: "The offences were committed in the context of degrading or humiliating conduct.

"You were working as a serving police officer at the time. Any member of the public was entitled to trust that you would protect them rather than harm them. Instead you violated that trust and risked damaging public trust in the police generally."

Judge Clemitson said it was likely Jardine's behaviour would add to the sense of distrust created by the misbehaviour of other police officers over the years.

She added it is "important victims of this sort of offending feel able to speak out" and that "perpetrators can't hide behind a badge" when they break their oath to protect and serve and that the public can have faith.

Jardine was sentenced to eight months suspended for 18 months and must pay £3,000 towards the cost of the prosecution, at £150 a month.

Andrew Walker, defending, said: "He is embarrassed and ashamed beyond belief after being convicted of an offence of this nature." He added: "He worked all of his life until medical retirement.

"He has not been in trouble before or since. He is a family man with two grown up children, a wife of many years and two grandchildren and a great-grandson. He plays a very important part in the lives of all of those people."

Description

A North East paedophile has been jailed for 14 years after being convicted of raping a child.

Kenneth Dick, of Ryde Terrace, Dunston, Gateshead, was charged with four sexual offences in March 2023.

The charges included rape of a child, sexual assault, engaging in sexual activity with a child and causing a child to watch a sexual act.

Police interviewed Dick after a complaint was made by a schoolgirl who had disclosed the abuse to a family member.

When interviewed by police he denied all allegations, but a jury trial found him guilty of all four offences in November last year, for which he was sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court on Monday (March 17).

The sentence means that 66 year-old Dick will spend 14 years locked up with a year on licence once he is released.

Detective Constable Claire Ashurst of Northumbria Police’s Safeguarding Department led the investigation and praised the victim for her “courage and composure” in coming forward.

She said: “It is thanks to her bravery in disclosing what happened to police that a dangerous offender like Dick is now behind bars and will be unable to harm anyone else.

“I absolutely welcome this sentence and hope it provides this courageous individual in this case with some comfort in knowing he’s now locked up for a significant period.”

She added: “I hope this conviction serves as a stark warning to those who think they can take advantage of a vulnerable person – we won’t tolerate this type of behaviour and there are serious and lifelong consequences.

“No one should ever have to endure this type of assault and support is available from our officers and the many fantastic charities we work closely in collaboration with day-in, day-out."

Dick will remain on the Sex Offenders Register for the rest of his life, and was also handed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order as well as a Restraining Order to protect the victim.

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A man who raped a 13-year-old child after manipulating the victim into drinking excessive amounts of alcohol has been jailed for 14 years.

Andrew Mackay, 64, from High Spen, Gateshead, attacked the child after the victim passed out as a result of too much alcohol, Newcastle Crown Court heard.

The victim said they had tried to take their own life after the assault, and would "never forgive" Mackay.

Mackay, who had denied any wrongdoing, was found guilty of two counts of rape and sexual assault.

Judge Sarah Mallett said Mackay had been "grooming" the child with alcohol, and at the time of the rape had given the victim so much to drink they were unable to fully recollect what had happened.

In a statement read to the court, the child said they felt sick thinking about the abuse and relived it on a daily basis.

The victim said Mackay had ruined a "normal" teenage life, adding: "I will never be able to look back and think of my teenage years as the best years of my life like most others."

Mackay, of Bute Drive, must also sign the Sex Offender Register for life, and was made the subject of a sexual harm prevention order.

Description

A pervert caught "upskirting" a schoolgirl at a Tyneside Metro station had indecent images on his phone.

Lukasz Gajowski brazenly targeted the unsuspecting girl as she waited at the Gateshead station wearing her school uniform. He crept up behind her and lunged forward to take a picture of the victim, who was estimated to have been around 14.

A quick-thinking member of the public noted the time and alerted police, who caught Gajowski after a CCTV still of the perpetrator was published on ChronicleLive.

Newcastle Crown Court heard it was on December 3 2020 that a woman was at Gateshead Interchange when she noticed what Gajowski was up to, although the girl, who was leaning against a wall, was unaware the pervert was behind her.

Amber Walker, prosecuting, told the court: "(The woman) noticed that Mr Gajowski was lunging with his hand and it was outstretched towards the lower part of a skirt of a teenage girl who at the time was wearing a school uniform.

"(The woman) made eye contact with the defendant and he then quickly moved away. The teenage girl had not noticed his presence.

"The woman made a note of the time and she contacted the police and CCTV was retrieved. That footage was the subject of publicity in the local media and Mr Gajowski was recognised by a work colleague who contacted the police."

Miss Walker added: "He was using his mobile phone to record what is colloquially referred to as upskirting."

Gajowski, 39, of Brinkburn Avenue, Bensham, Gateshead, who has no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to voyeurism and three counts of making indecent images of children. He had 21 of the most serious, category A images, 13 category B images and 17 category C images.

They were not images he had taken himself and while most of them were of young teenagers, children as young as four were depicted.

Judge Julie Clemitson said the woman who alerted the police should be commended. And she told Gajowski his behaviour towards the girl was "brazen" with "apparently no regard for the risk someone would see what you were doing".

The judge added: "It appears you have little understanding of the harm your offending might cause. Clearly if that schoolgirl had realised what you were doing it would have had some effect on her. It's impossible to say how great that harm would be but any girl might have been significantly affected by that sort of behaviour."

Gajowski was sentenced to 12 months suspended for two years with 100 hours unpaid work. He must also sign the sex offenders register and be subject to a sexual harm prevention order for ten years.

The court heard he had worked until recently and is now in debt due to the cost of the criminal case and has faced "unconscionable delays" in the case being finalised.

Description

A sexual predator who raped two women after bringing them home to his flat has been locked up for more than 11 years.

James Wilkinson, now 27, met both the women through social media and had arranged to meet up with them in person during May 2021.

On May 9 that year, Wilkinson brought his first victim back to his flat in the Wideopen area, after the pair had met up for the first time and visited a shop together.

The woman – who was 20 at the time and had not expected to go into his home – felt concerned, sharing her location and messaging family members while she was out.

Wilkinson then encouraged the woman to go into his bedroom to watch TV, before proceeding to rape her.

And on May 24, a similar incident occurred whereby Wilkinson had arranged to meet the second woman for a date, after exchanging messages online.

When the then 18-year-old arrived at his flat, Wilkinson insisted she watched TV with him before they went out for food as they had discussed. He then proceeded to rape her twice.

Both terrified victims left his address shortly after each of the incidents occurred and later reported what had happened to police.

Wilkinson, of Dunston Road in Gateshead, was arrested and subsequently charged with three counts of rape.

He continued to deny his guilt, claiming the sex on both occasions was consensual, and boasted that he would often meet girls through his social media accounts.

The case initially went to trial at Newcastle Crown Court, however Wilkinson was later found guilty on three offences of rape.

He appeared before Durham Crown Court on Monday, June 3, where a judge sentenced him to 11 years and six months in prison.

He was also handed a restraining order to forbid contact with both women, and ordered to sign the Sex Offender Register indefinitely.