Locations
Kenton Road, North Shields, Tyne & Wear, NE29
Description
A rapist has been jailed for 12 years after being found guilty of offences committed more than a decade ago.
Christopher Sams, 34, targeted his young victim for six years.
The victim reported the abuse in 2021, which saw officers in Northumbria Police’s Safeguarding Department launch an investigation.
During the investigation, Sams, of Kenton Road, North Shields, was arrested and denied all offences.
Christopher Sams (Image: NORTHUMBRIA POLICE) He was later charged with eight counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.
A week-long trial took place at Newcastle Crown Court in November, where Sams was found guilty by a jury on all counts.
He appeared at the same court on Friday (January 17) where he was sentenced to 12 years behind bars.
He’s also been made subject to a sexual harm prevention order and has been placed on the sex offender’s register.
Leading on the investigation for Northumbria Police was Detective Constable Lucy Joyce.
Speaking after Sams sentencing, she said: “The courage and bravery shown by the survivor in this case is incredible, and I hope the lengthy prison sentence ahead of Sams allows them to find some degree of closure.