Lee Metcalf 39

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A man locked a girl into his bed and breakfast room when he thought she was about to leave, then raped the terrified teenager, a court heard.

Lee Metcalf, now 38, who met his victim through social media, groomed her online before persuading her to meet in person.

He invited her back to his room at a B&B where he was staying and the pair watched Netflix before she told him it was time for her to leave.

Newcastle Crown Court heard that Metcalf was unprepared to let her go and threw his 16-year-old victim’s shoes out the window.

Read more: Penshaw man Lee Metcalf raped girl, 16, in B&B room

He then made threats to her, before carrying out the rape attack.

It was only when he fell asleep that the teenager managed to escape and contact police.

Metcalf, of Tynedale Crescent, Penshaw, on Weasrside, was arrested and subsequently charged with one charge of rape and another count of false imprisonment.

He denied his guilt, claiming the sex was consensual, and the case went to trial at the court earlier this year when a jury found him guilty of both counts, on March 31

Metcalf was remanded in custody until sentencing today before Judge Amanda Rippon who imposed a nine-year sentence of imprisonment, to be followed by four years’ extended licence period.

He will have to serve two-thirds of the custodial element before being eligible for release on the extended licence.

Metcalf was also made subject of a restraining order, relating to his victim, and restrictions under a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, both, “until further order”.

He will also be subject to registration as a sex offender for life.

Read more: Crook sex offender found guilty of 18 offences in May trial

Speaking in the wake of the conviction and sentencing of Metcalf, Detective Constable Nick Moses of Northumbria Police’s Safeguarding Department, who led the investigation, said the defendant subjected his victim to a “terrifying ordeal”.

“Metcalf preyed on a teenager who was two decades his junior.

“I absolutely welcome this sentence and hope it provides his brave victim with some comfort in knowing he’s now behind bars.

“I want to praise the survivor for her bravery and composure during the investigation and trial.

“Because of her courage in coming forward, a dangerous man is locked up and will be unable to hurt anyone else.”

Det Con Moses added: “I hope this conviction serves as a stark warning to those with an unlawfully blurred view of consent that someone consenting to meet up with you or agreeing to go back to your room or home absolutely does not equate to sexual consent.

“No one should ever have to endure this type of assault and support is available from our officers and the many fantastic charities and partners we work closely with.