Locations
Barford Court, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, NE9
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."