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A 37-year-old man who was recently convicted of seven serious offences including rape, serious sexual assault, physical assaults, stalking, and coercive and controlling behaviour (CCB) has been jailed for 15 years plus an additional five years on licence.
Dean Dowson was convicted of the offences at the end of May this year, and at Teesside Crown Court on Friday he learned not only that he would spend a considerable amount of time in prison but that he will also be subject to a lifelong restraining order, a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and that he will be placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register.
The court heard how his female victim was subjected to a sustained pattern of physical, sexual and psychological abuse. This included repeated acts of rape, violent and degrading sexual assaults and this caused serious psychological harm.
The offending formed part of a wider course of coercive and controlling behaviour, through which Dowson exercised power and control over the victim by monitoring her movements via cameras as well as checking her social media.
Dowson also stalked and harassed the woman until he was arrested outside her home address.
Speaking after court Officer in the case Temporary Detective Constable Seymour said:
"This was a sustained and serious campaign of abuse involving sexual violence, physical violence, and coercive and controlling behaviour. The victim was subjected to repeated acts of abuse, including rape and other serious sexual offences.
“Dowson refused to accept responsibility for his actions and has shown no remorse, forcing the victim to endure a lengthy and difficult trial.
“I would like to commend the victim for her immense strength and courage in coming forward and supporting this investigation. The resilience she has demonstrated throughout the case has been remarkable, and the quality of her evidence was instrumental in securing these convictions.
“While no sentence can undo the harm and trauma caused, I believe the length of this sentence reflects the seriousness of the offences. I hope this outcome provides the victim with a sense of justice and enables her to move forward with her life.
“Finally, I want to remind anyone else who is suffering abuse of any kind, that help IS available and I urge you to come forward. We have specially trained officers who will listen to you, who will believe you and who will support you – frequently supplemented by help from our expert local agencies."