A man already serving a prison sentence for rape has been handed an additional seven years behind bars. John Tyler, 54, raped a teenager multiple times in historic offending that took place several decades ago.
The victim did not initially make a complaint after being threatened by Tyler, previously of Tow Law, County Durham. However, she continued to be affected by what happened to her and reported him in 2024.
Investigation and Charges
An investigation was launched, and Tyler was interviewed and charged with four counts of rape on a girl under 16. He pleaded not guilty and was due to stand trial at Durham Crown Court.
However, he changed his plea after the jury was sworn in at the court in Durham on Wednesday. Tyler, of HMP Wakefield, was sentenced to seven years in prison and handed a sexual harm prevention order and a restraining order.
Sentence to Run Consecutively
The sentence will be added on top of an existing sentence he is currently serving for another rape, which is due to run until 2032.
Adam Boyle, who led the investigation for Durham Constabulary, said: "Tyler is a danger to women and girls and thanks to our courageous victim, will now remain behind bars."
"The victim showed true strength coming forward a second time and we want to remind other victims that it is never too late to report incidents so we can work to bring offenders to justice and protect the public."
