Latest Offenders New

Description

A pervert with previous for having indecent images of children made suspicious searches on secret devices he failed to tell police about.

David Carey was subject to strict restrictions on his internet activity after being caught with child abuse images in 2017. As a result of that conviction, he was made subject to a sexual harm prevention order, which included a condition he had to notify police about any internet enabled device he was using.

But he breached that order seven times in December last year by using computers at Whitley Bay Library without telling police. He came to the attention of staff when he asked about some children's audio books and told them he was using their computers as the police were involved with him and had removed his devices.

A further breach was revealed on December 14 when police responded to a 999 call by him. He was found by a PC sitting on a bench and as the officer approached him she noticed him putting a pink iPod in his pocket.

A search of his home revealed another iPod and neither of them had been registered with police. Jemima Stephenson, prosecuting, told Newcastle Crown Court: "There was a search history on both devices indicating he may have been trying to access child pornography. The searches included 'extreme incest', 'eight-year-old young' and 'extreme young'."

The court heard Carey, 39, of Langdale Close, Longbenton, North Tyneside has 14 previous convictions. In April 2017 he was convicted of 13 offences relating to indecent or prohibited images of children and in December last year - days before the latest offences - he was convicted of breaching the sexual harm prevention order after refusing to provide a passcode for a phone.

For the latest offences, he pleaded guilty to two breaches of the sexual harm prevention order and was sentenced to 18 months suspended for two years and must do a sex offenders treatment programme. Judge Penny Moreland told him: "I'm not sure if you have grasped, when you search for indecent images, you are looking for pictures of real children who are the victims of sexual abuse in order for you to gain pleasure from it."

Joe Culley, defending, said Carey had completed a sex offenders treatment programme as part of his sentence in 2017. He added that his mother died last year, which had a "profound effect" on him.

Mr Culley said: "He lives an extremely isolated existence and a persecuted existence. Those who live near him know of his offending history and his home has been targeted and he has sought to move away. He has family in other areas who have disowned him. He has a referral for an autism assessment."

Description

A sex predator has been jailed for 11 years after two women woke up next to the stranger with no memory of what he had done to them.

Salahuddin Mohammad targeted two victims within a short space of time in Newcastle city centre. Both were heavily intoxicated and were taken advantage of by the brute, who was infected with Hepatitis B and didn't wear a condom.

When police discovered medication at Mohammad's flat it was not clear initially if he was being treated for HIV or Hepatitis B. While he did not pass on the infection, the victims faced an anxious wait to find out if they had contracted any diseases.

Mohammad, 29, of Westgate Road, Newcastle, was found guilty of raping the two women after a trial at Newcastle Crown Court. Jailing him for 11 years, of which he must serve two-thirds, and ordering him to sign the sex offenders register indefinitely, Judge Stephen Earl said: "Each of them mentions the Hepatitis B test and it put them through additional stress.

"Each of them have described in significant detail the trauma this offending has caused them. It's had a significant effect on the lives of each of these two women.

"Each of these is a horrific act of sexual predatory behaviour. I can only hope and pray they can put this matter behind them, that they can begin to rebuild their lives with the help of loved ones, now these matters are finished."

The first victim, a student, had been on a night out in Newcastle city centre in 2018 and woke up the next morning in a strange flat next to stranger Mohammad. She could tell she'd had sex but had no memory of meeting him or going to his flat.

Later that month, while the investigation into that was ongoing, another young woman reported to police that something similar had happened to her. She had also been out in the city centre and woke up the next day in unfamiliar surroundings next to a man she didn't know. She had a vague memory of having sex but no memory of meeting him or going to his home.

Anthony Dunne, prosecuting, said at an earlier hearing: "The prosecution case at trial was that both victims were highly intoxicated at the time they must have met the defendant and while there was no evidence as to how they became so intoxicated, the defendant took advantage of their situation by taking them back to his flat and having sex with them when they were in no position to consent.

"In neither case did he use a condom. The defendant was receiving treatment for a serious infection at the time and there was therefore the risk of that infection being transmitted to both victims. Both were tested for that infection, causing significant distress and anxiety. Fortunately in both cases the infection was not transmitted."

Mr Dunne added: "The prosecution concede it can't be said on the evidence the defendant was responsible for their intoxication."

The first victim said in a statement read to the court: "This horrible crime has had an immense impact on my life. I had to have an intimate examination and had to discuss the possibility of sexually transmitted diseases and I was vaccinated for Hepatitis B.

"I was later told by police medication was found in the offender's property for Hepatitis B or HIV. I went to a sexual health clinic with police to see if there was an option to treat it if I did have HIV but I was told it would be too late.

"I waited three long months to find he only had Hepatitis B, which I had thankfully been vaccinated against. The waiting caused me considerable stress and I hardly had a good night's sleep, thinking I might have contracted a potentially life-changing disease. I have had suicidal thoughts. For a long period afterwards I have had nightmares."

The victim, who said her university studies were impacted, added: "My dad sat through the trial and heard things no parent should ever have to hear. The trial was an extremely stressful experience. I don't usually get emotional yet I found myself crying in a room full of strangers while giving my evidence in the trial. It left me feeling incredibly vulnerable and I felt like I was the one on trial."

The second victim said: "For a long time after this crime I was in a state of shock and it was a humiliating process for the first few days afterwards, from the medical examination to the statement giving. To be told the male who did this to me had Hepatitis B, I was horrified and I was worried until I got the all clear. This only added to the anxiety I was experiencing daily.

"I lost weight and didn't want to see anyone. My life changed drastically following this incident. I used to be confident, sociable and enjoyed going out with my friends. I now have major trust issues."

Prosecutors are applying for a sexual harm prevention order banning Mohammad from being alone with any female under the influence of alcohol. Mohammad's sentencing hearing was adjourned until later this month for Judge Stephen Earl to consider how long he should be jailed for.

Annelie Haugstad, defending, said he left school in Sudan at 14 and was forced to leave after protesting against the government.

Description

David Dibell, of Washington, was given another prison sentence and Daniel Walmsley was also locked up A child rapist jailed for 24 years has had his sentence extended for warehousing large amounts of cocaine and heroin. David Dibell was given the lengthy sentence in February this year for sex offences against a young girl. Now he and Daniel Walmsley have both been jailed for drugs offences. Newcastle Crown Court heard police executed a search warrant at Walmsley's home at St Andrew's Drive, Washington, on May 2 2019, where David Dibell's Vauxhall van was parked on the drive. Neither of them were present but a police search recovered a number of incriminating items. In a bedroom, there were class C tablets, a phone and cash while in the kitchen there was money and a tin containing 18g of MDMA mixed with cocaine, worth up to 1,800. There were also scales and a cup with traces of powder and a total of 15,485 in cash. In Dibell's van, here was 852g of 77% pure cocaine, worth up to 42,000 and 1,816g of heroin, worth up to 43,000 or much more if cut into smaller deals. The phone found in Walmsley's bedroom showed messages from 2018 indicating he was involved in supplying cocaine and he made reference to the drugs being "lethal". Walmsley, 31, of Weardale House, Washington, who has 64 previous convictions, pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine with intent to supply cocaine and possessing MDMA while Dibell, 28, of no fixed address but formerly of Washington, who has 12 previous convictions, admitted conspiracy to supply cocaine and heroin. Dibell pleaded guilty on the basis he was warehousing the drugs for someone else in order to raise money for family court proceedings. Walmsley was jailed for three years and nine months while Dibell got two years and eight months, consecutive to the 24 year sentence he is currently serving for child sex offences. David Lamb QC, for Walmsley, said he pleaded guilty at the first opportunity, has not offended in the four years since the drug dealing and he is set to miss the birth of his child, Gavin Doig, for Dibell, said had previously worked hard as a joiner and added: "He was foolish enough to get himself involved in warehousing drugs."

Description

A former Gogglebox star has been jailed for a sex attack on a teenage boy. Andrew Bennett took selfies with his victim, then cornered him on a sofa, gave him a love bite and tried to lure him to a bedroom for sex, Newcastle Crown Court was told. He has now admitted one charge of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and two charges of sexual activity with a child. The 47-year-old, of Gleneagles Road, Sunderland, was jailed for 29 months. Judge Tim Gittins also ordered him to sign the sex offenders register and abide by a sexual harm prevention order for 10 years. Prosecutor Glenn Gatland said Bennett, who had been drinking, told the teenager he was gay and asked if his victim was, and he replied he was not. Mr Gatland said: "The defendant started to put his hands down his pants again then told him to turn away from him and started kissing him on the back of his neck and gave him a love bite." 'Slimming drugs' The teenager then reminded him he was a child and Bennett told him: "Stop, you are making me feel bad." He continued to pursue him, before the teenager left the house "in tears". The victim said in a statement that he had suffered "flashbacks". He said: "I looked up to Andrew. I was interested in what he did. I am aware he was on Gogglebox a while ago. "What happened in that few hours will be with me for a very long time. I felt frightened and very uncomfortable. I didn't know what to do." Bennett initially denied all the charges, blaming his behaviour on "slimming drugs", but pleaded guilty after DNA linked him to the teenager. 'Unwanted attentions' Gavin Doig, mitigating, said Bennett "could not be more remorseful" for what he had done and handed in "multiple" references from people who spoke highly of him. He added that his client posed a low risk of re-offending and had "lost his good name forever", as well as his employment. Judge Gittins told Bennet the love bite was a "clear injury and unwanted, painful reminder of your unwanted attentions that night". He said: "I acknowledge this was an aberration in your behaviour, it was unplanned and only occurred because you were intoxicated."

Description

Brandon Foskett, 24, was secretly working as a night porter at the hotel after being described by Northumbria Police as a potentially dangerous person. A dangerous sex offender was secretly working as a night porter in a busy tourist hotel and wedding venue after fleeing nearly 200 miles from his home. Brandon Foskett was being monitored under a Risk of Sexual Harm Order when he disappeared to take up a job at the Dunkeld House Hotel. Foskett, who has a record for dishonesty, violence and sexual offending, was also on the Sex Offenders Register when he was hired by the hotel. Fiscal depute Elizabeth Hodgson told Perth Sheriff Court : "He is being managed in the community by Northumbria Police as a potentially dangerous person." She said he failed to carry out his regular registration for three months before eventually turning up at the police station in Perth on 24 November to confess about his move to Scotland. "He disclosed he was subject to the ROSHO. A systems check was carried out. The accused last notified police about his address in Newcastle on 9 August. "The hotel manager confirmed he started employment as a night porter on 26 October and was residing in the staff accommodation." Foskett told police: "I'll be honest with you - I was staying there for about a month. I didn't know who to contact." Foskett, 24, a prisoner at Perth, admitted failing to notify the police about a change of address between 26 October and 24 November 2021. Solicitor John McLaughlin, defending, told the court that Foskett had been kept in custody since his arrest and had served the equivalent of an 11-month period on remand. "He had gone three years without work. His friend found work with the hotel and phoned to tell him work was available. He was working night shift and was never in the company of guests." Sheriff William Wood told Foskett: "It seems you have managed to accumulate quite a large and varied record for someone relatively young. "It seems that this is your second breach of the order and a custodial sentence is most appropriate. It is concerning you were able to obtain employment in a local hotel as a night porter and would have access to various parts of the hotel." He jailed Foskett for ten months, but backdated the sentence so it would be covered by the period on remand and he would be released immediately.

Description

A CONVICTED rapist has been jailed after he subjected a young girl to horrific abuse in a separate case. Paedophile Gad Evans, 55, from Newport, has been locked up for nine years following his guilty pleas to a raft of offences. They were committed in Caerphilly county between 2007 and 2011. He also admitted five counts of sexual assault of a child under 13. Jeffrey Jones, representing Evans, asked for his client to be given credit for his guilty pleas. Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke told the defendant he would have to serve two-thirds of his nine-year sentence in prison. Evans must register as a sex offender indefinitely and was banned from working with children for life. Following sentence, Detective Constable Alison Perry, the officer in the case, said: We would not have been able to bring Gad Evans before the courts to face justice without the courageous testimony of his victim. The bravery and resilience that she has shown throughout the investigation has been truly inspirational. Taking the first step to speak out about the horrific abuse they have endured is hard and we understand that is can be difficult for victims to make that initial call. We take all allegations of sexual assault, particularly against children, very seriously. "If a report is made to us, our officers will investigate them thoroughly. I want to reassure anyone considering doing so that there is a whole range of support out there; not only from Gwent Police but from partner agencies who can help you through the entire process. There are support services available for victims of sexual abuse, both non-recent and current and for both adults and children. "This help is also accessible to all genders. Sexual abuse can be reported to us via 101, or to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Description

A North Shields paedophile was found in possession of sickening indecent images that depicted children in "pain and distress".

Russell Liddell had already received a community order in 2011 after being found in possession of child sexual abuse images. But the 53-year-old was hauled back to Newcastle Crown Court on Wednesday after being found with more indecent material after police went to his home on April 8, 2020, seized electronic items and found category A, B, and C images.

The court heard that children as young as three-years-old were found on his devices. Liddell appeared at the court to be sentenced for three counts of making indecent images of children. He had pleaded guilty to the charges at a previous hearing.

Neil Pallister, prosecuting, said an SD card, flash-drives and a hard-drive were seized when officers raided his home. A total of 17 category A, 10 category B, and 1,227 category C images were discovered, which depicted children between the ages of three and 16-years-old. Mr Pallister said some of the material included videos and showed children in "pain and distress".

The court heard that in 2011, Liddell, of Glendower Avenue, North Shields, was given a three year community order after being found in possession of indecent images. Mr Pallister said: "The defendant had left a mobile phone on a bus, which was found and examined. Indecent images were found and the phone was traced back to the defendant. His home was searched and 4,236 indecent images were recovered."

Adam Birkby, defending, said the "vast majority" of images that Liddell was found in possession of in 2020 were category C. He said: "This is a rather unusual case. He explained that some images had been downloaded as part of the last offending, not all of the images were new images." Mr Birkby said that the images had "triggered an addiction" and said he had a "complex mental health history". He added: "He leads a very isolated life and recognises he needs professional help."

The court was told that Liddell works from home for a call-centre and is a carer for his elderly father. Mr Birkby said that an immediate prison sentence would have an impact on him.

Sentencing Liddell, Recorder Ian Mullarkey said he had an "entrenched sexual interest in children" and handed him a 16 month prison sentence, suspended for two years. He ordered him to complete 55 rehabilitation activity days and made him subject of a four month electronic curfew. He must complete a sex offender programme and was made subject of a 15 year sexual harm prevention order. He will also be on the sex offender's register for 10 years.

Description

A FORMER karate coach caught with more than 100 indecent images was caught red-handed when he tried to talk to a minor online. Jordan McCarthy-Simmonette was arrested in October 2019 by officers from one of Northumbria Polices most specialist units the Paedophile Online Investigation Team (POLIT). Detectives acted after receiving information the 24-year-old had been talking to someone he believed was a 14-year-old male online but was actually engaging with a registered sex offender, who was the subject of a separate ongoing police investigation. When he was arrested his Newcastle home was also searched and a tablet and mobile phone were seized and taken for examination. Digital Investigators soon uncovered 109 Category C images stored on the devices, and McCarthy-Simmonnette was charged with attempted sexual communication with a child and possession of indecent images of children. Following his arrest, extensive partnership work was carried out between officers and partners from the local authorities to ensure McCarthy-Simmonette was removed from his role as coach and appropriate measures put in place. McCarthy-Simmonette, of Teviotdale Gardens, in Heaton appeared at Newcastle Crown Court on Wednesday (April 20) where he was sentenced to 10 months imprisonment suspended for two years, after previously pleading guilty. He was also given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) for seven years and placed on the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years. Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Constable Rob Smoult from POLIT said: As a force we are committed to keeping children and young people safe from harmful and dangerous online predators. In this case, McCarthy-Simmonette believed he was engaging with a 14-year-old boy and unfazed by this. That behaviour is completely unacceptable. Thanks to a thorough investigation, a solid case was presented before the courts and McCarthy-Simmonette was left with little opportunity to deny his actions and I am pleased he has admitted his guilt. We know that cases like this can cause concern in our communities, but I want to reassure people that we are constantly working with our partners in the local authority and across a wide range of services to ensure the right measures and appropriate safeguards are in place to keep children and young people safe from harm. We will continue to work with schools, youth groups and parents to highlight the dangers which can be present across different platforms and would encourage adults to keep talking to their children about who they engaging with, and to keep promoting the use of privacy settings.

Description

A Southend man has been jailed after he admitted to the possession of indecent images of children.

Lionel Bryan, 43, of Hastings Road, will spend four and half years behind bars and three and a half out on licence.

He admitted to possessing indecent images of children and attempting to breach a Sexual Harm Prevention Order on two occasions at Basildon Crown Court earlier this month.

Already a registered sex offender, officers discovered more than 800 images on Bryan's mobile during a routine visit last year.

Acting Detective Sergeant Emma Chambers from Essex Police, said: Any person who possesses indecent images should be prepared to be brought to justice for this terrible crime.

It is not a victimless crime, there is always someone who has suffered at the hands of a perpetrator.

Bryan was a registered sex offender when he committed these offences but the court has seen fit to punish him accordingly.

Bryan remains on the Register of Sex Offenders and is subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Description

A South Shields paedophile who thought he was sending sexual chats to a young girl was in fact messaging an uncover police officer.

Christopher Bullock believed he was speaking to a 13-year-old girl on the Kik messenger app and sent over pictures of his penis and initiated a perverted game. But the 39-year-old was actually speaking to an undercover police officer who had created a fake profile in order to snare perverts.

When Bullock was arrested, his home was searched and officers found indecent images of children in his possession. Bullock appeared at Newcastle Crown Court on Wednesday to be sentenced for three counts of making indecent images and a charge of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child. He pleaded guilty to the charges at a previous hearing.

Rachel Glover, prosecuting, said an undercover officer joined the Kik app and created a profile purporting to be that of a 13-year-old girl from London. Ms Glover said: "The profile received three messages from the defendant between June and July, 2019 where he said 'Hi gorgeous', and there was no reply. Four attempts were made on September 2, 2019, where a conversation followed. The defendant told her that he was 36, from Newcastle and worked as a delivery driver."

Ms Glover said that Bullock's messages quickly turned sexual and asked to play a game of "question and answer". She said some of questions were general, but many were sexual. "During the conversation the defendant said he would like to see her breasts and asked if she would like to meet", Ms Glover said. Bullock also sent a picture of himself, as well as of his penis.

The court heard that Bullock, of Whitehall Street, South Shields, was later arrested at his home and his electronic devices were also seized. A hard drive was examined and indecent images were found, including one in category A. The images had been downloaded between 2017 and 2019.

Gavin Doig, defending, said Bullock indicated guilty pleas early and had no previous convictions. He said: "Fortunately, it's a single conversation. It's something the defendant should never have done and is very ashamed of."

Recorder Ian Mullarkey handed Bullock a 10 month prison sentence, suspended for two years and ordered him to complete 55 rehabilitation activity days and a sex offender programme. He was made subject of a seven year sexual harm prevention order and will be on the sex offender's register for 10 years.

Description

A man sexually abused three children over a period of seven years in the New Forest, a court has heard.

Steve Oxborrow, 33, of Wilverley Road, Wootton abused the children on multiple occasions between January 2005 and June 2012.

This took place in Wootton and New Milton and he has since been charged.

After a three-week trial, he has now been found guilty of a string of offences.

Appearing at Southampton Crown Court yesterday (April 5) he was found guilty of five counts of sexual activity with a child under 13, three counts of sexual assault of a child under 13 and two counts of making indecent photographs of a child.

He was also found guilty of one count of possession of indecent image of a child and one count of rape of a child under 13.

He has now been remanded in custody and is set to appear at the same court for sentencing on May 26.

Description

A PAEDOPHILE illegally using his fathers Facebook profile to contact women was caught when one of them saw a report about him in the Argus. Convicted child rapist Louis Beagen was barred from going on social media under a false name under the terms of a sexual harm prevention order. The 28-year-old from Newport was getting in touch with women via Facebook Messenger by using the profile of his dad Gareth Beagen. Beagan told one woman, a stranger, he had gone to Hartridge High School before sending her a photograph of himself lying bare-chested on a bed. She recognised his picture from a court report shed read of about him in the Argus and contacted the police. Beagen was jailed for more than six years in 2014 for sexual offences, including rape, committed against underage teenage girls. Four years later he was locked up again after being snared by paedophile hunters when using his father's mobile phone and iPad to contact what he thought were three girls, one aged just aged 13. Beagans latest offence took place last Christmas and he appeared before Cardiff Crown Court for sentence. The defendant, of Ennerdale Court, Old Barn Estate, pleaded guilty to breaching a sexual harm prevention order. These orders are made by courts for the purpose of protecting the public from further offending by defendants convicted of sexual crimes. Judge Richard Williams told Beagen: You used a Facebook profile in the name of Gareth Beagen. Gareth Beagen is your father. Your basis of plea is that you did not create this account but made use of it and the prosecution does not seek to disprove that assertion. However, under the terms of your order you had to notify the police about it and you did not. You used that profile to contact women through Facebook Messenger. These were all adult women. One whom you contacted became suspicious and discovered that you had also tried to contact a friend of hers using a pseudonym and she also recognised from a newspaper report in the South Wales Argus that you were a convicted sex offender. This amounts to a series breach of the order and it caused some alarm. Julia Cox, mitigating, said: The defendant was not communicating with any individual under the age of 18. It wasnt an account he had created for deceptive purposes but there is no excuse for the offending. She added: Mr Beagen has now been predominantly in custody since the age of 19 and hes now 28. There is a risk, in my submission, of him becoming institutionalised. Beagen was jailed for 20 months and ordered to pay a victim surcharge after his release from prison.

Description

A CANNABIS farmer caught with 77,000 worth of the illegal drug and as well as indecent images of children has been jailed. Nezir Slemaj appeared at Newcastle Crown Court earlier this month where he was sentenced to 16 months behind bars. The 20-year-old first came to the attention of police when his home on Northcote Street, Newcastle was searched by officers back in August last year. A total of 68 mature plants and 134 others at various stages of growth were seized alongside equipment valued at around 10,000. When Slemaj was arrested, two mobile phones were also recovered and examined with detectives later uncovering a range of horrific indecent images and videos. Slemaj was later charged and appeared at Newcastle Crown court on December 16 where he was convicted of three counts of making indecent photographs of children, one count of possessing extreme pornography and producing a Class B drug and was remanded in custody. On March 16, he was sentenced at the same court to a total of 16 months behind bars, given a ten-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and placed on the Sex Offenders Register for ten years. Detective Constable Dan Hall, from Northumbria Police, said: As a force we are committed to protecting our communities from any form of criminality and the ripple effects that can happen as a result. In this case, a simple house search led to the seizure and destruction of a large quantity of cannabis which could have made its way onto our streets and saw the profits reinvested into further crime. As part of our thorough investigation, a number of indecent images were also found on Slemajs phone and added to the solid file of evidence we were able to put before the courts. Slemaj had no previous convictions and what initially began as a drugs investigation has resulted in the conviction of a potentially dangerous sex offender who is now registered with law enforcement.

Description

A pervert found with sick images of kids claimed he'd been cured of his sexual interest in children.

Police found the vile photos on Jack Newton's mobile phone when they seized a number of electronic goods from his Throckley home.

A court heard that the 22-year-old had been sent the seven pictures, some involving children a young as five, in 2019 by an associate on Snap Chat.

When he was questioned about the sordid material, he told officers he "previously had a sexual interest in kids but no longer did".

Now, Newton, of Isabella Walk, in Throckley, is facing a possible jail sentence after he pleaded guilty to two counts of making an indecent image of a child.

Lillian Yanes Hellevik, prosecuting at Newcastle Magistrates' Court, said officers searched Newton's home on July 13 2020 and seized a number of devices.

She added: "The images found were on his mobile phone. There were seven category B and two category C.

"Samples of those images contained children between five and 11-years-old. The defendant accepted in interview to receiving the images.

"He accepted he may previously have had a sexual interest in children but stated he no longer does."

The court heard that Newton had no previous convictions and pleaded guilty on the basis he was sent the images without asking specifically for them.

Sophie Allinson, defending, said: "I submit these matters are suitable to be finalised here but I appreciate an all-options report will be needed.

"I will save my mitigation for the future sentencing hearing."

Newton was released on unconditional bail to next appear at Newcastle Magistrates' Court on April 11.

Description

A rapist has been jailed after his victim reported the attack to her local Boots pharmacy.

Northumbria Police praised the quick-thinking and incredible bravery of the woman after she was attacked in 2019.

Michael Henderson visited the victim at her home on June 14, raping her in a bedroom.

Too frightened to report Henderson to police, she visited a Boots pharmacy the following day in West Denton in Newcastle.

The woman felt safe to report the attack, knowing Boots are part of the Safe Spaces scheme, where businesses offer safe spaces for people experiencing domestic abuse and sexual violence.

Specially trained staff were able to make the victim feel safe and with her consent, they called Northumbria Police and reported the attack.Henderson, 39, was questioned by officers where he denied rape. He was convicted of the offence in December 2021, at Newcastle Crown Court.He was sentenced at the same court to six years in prison on Friday, March 11.

Detective Constable Victoria Threadgold, who led the investigation, praised the smart thinking and bravery of the victim reporting it at a Safe Space and hopes it will encourage other victims to do the same.Det Con Threadgold said: "This victim has suffered the most awful sexual violence and I can't commend her enough for coming forward to report to a Safe Space. It is with thanks to her quick-thinking and incredible bravery that Henderson is now behind bars and hopefully, she can begin rebuilding her life. "I also really want to praise the staff at the Boots pharmacy where the victim initially reported the rape. It is testament to their specialist training, empathy and support that she has had the strength to speak out."The charity UK Says No More is working with Boots UK, Morrisons, Superdrug and Well pharmacies, TSB banks and independent pharmacies across the UK to provide Safe Spaces in their consultation rooms for people experiencing domestic abuse and sexual violence. Det Con Threadgold added: "We understand often victims of these awful crimes can be reluctant to report to police, but safeguarding is everyone's business and by having these excellent third-party reporting schemes in place can really help bring more victims forward. Safe Spaces really can help save lives. They are so vitally important to have in our communities."

Henderson of Bamburgh Walk, Gosforth will also have to sign the sex offenders register for life and has been handed an indefinite restraining order.