Locations
Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, DL5
Description
A young girl who stood up to her rapist has seen him jailed for ten years.
David McDonald raped the girl when she was 13 years old.
He was arrested when the girl bravely told a teacher what had happened, and an investigation was launched.
The 64-year-old was charged with several offences, including rape and several counts of sexual assault.
McDonald, of Newton Aycliffe, denied the offences and went on trial at Durham Crown Court earlier this year where a jury found him guilty of rape.
He was acquitted of the other charges.
Appearing back at court last Friday (June 5), McDonald was jailed for ten years.
He was also handed an indefinite restraining order preventing him from contacting the girl, and was placed on the sex offenders’ register for life.
In a victim impact statement, the girl said he has ruined her life.
The Officer in the Case (OIC) Samantha Geraghty, from Darlington Safeguarding Team, said:
“I’d like to commend the young girl for the immense bravery she has shown throughout this investigation and subsequent court process.
“By standing up to her rapist and having her voice heard, she has helped to get a dangerous man off the streets.”