Nine men from the North East have been sentenced for violent crimes against women, including rape, stalking, and attempted murder. The cases, concluded over recent weeks, highlight a pattern of extreme violence and control.
Darren Oxley: 30-Year Sentence for Serial Rape
Darren Oxley, 54, of St Thomas Court, Darlington, was jailed for 30 years on June 18 after being convicted of 20 offences, including six counts of rape, three of indecent assault, two of unlawful wounding, and nine of assault causing actual bodily harm. A court heard he showed "extreme levels of violence and sexual aggression towards women." One victim had her jaw broken and head forced into a fish tank; another had her head shoved into a microwave, breaking her nose. Oxley also forced a woman's hand into a top-loading washing machine filled with boiling water. He was placed on the sex offenders' register for life.
Marcus Jones: 45 Months for Strangulation Attempt
Marcus Jones, 22, of Witton Park, Bishop Auckland, was sentenced to 45 months in prison on June 19 for false imprisonment, intentional strangulation, attempted sexual assault, and assault by beating. Jones followed a woman into a toilet and tried to strangle her. The victim fought back and escaped, raising the alarm.
Ashley Hope: Stalking from a Tent in Mother's Garden
Ashley Hope, 41, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to stalking after living in a tent in his mother's garden and repeatedly knocking on a woman's door, setting up Facebook accounts to contact her. The victim was so scared she temporarily moved out. Hope was sentenced to four months in prison but released immediately due to time served.
Alan Keeney: Sexual Assault After Following Woman Home
Alan Keeney, 44, of Ripley Court, Harlow Green, Gateshead, sexually assaulted a woman after following her from a bus and entering her home. The victim was so traumatised she moved house. Keeney pleaded guilty and was sentenced to nine months suspended for 15 months, with a five-year restraining order and a 40-day rehabilitation activity requirement.
Jordan Smart: Assault for Lack of Christmas Present
Jordan Smart, 24, of Forest Hall, bit his girlfriend and trashed her flat because he didn't have a present to open on Christmas morning. The court heard he had a history of abuse, including punching, kicking, and headbutting, and would take her phone to prevent her seeking help. Judge Robert Adams said Smart "stopped her wearing makeup, cut up her clothing, took out the laces from her shoes, wouldn't allow her to wear nice clothes, you'd drink all the milk so she couldn't make tea, you'd eat all the food so she went hungry." Smart was sentenced to two years imprisonment suspended for two years with a restraining order.
Wayne Justice: Indefinite Restraining Order Breached
Wayne Justice, 44, of North Parade, Whitley Bay, was jailed for two years for breaching an indefinite restraining order by contacting his former partner via an anonymous Facebook account and making repeated calls. He had 28 previous convictions for 49 offences, including previous breaches.
Philip Rutherford: Stabbing with Kitchen Scissors
Philip Rutherford, 35, of Hamilton Court, Gateshead, was sentenced to 11 years and three months in prison plus five years on licence (total 16 years and three months) for aggravated burglary, two counts of attempted robbery, and having an offensive weapon. He broke into his former partner's home, punched and stamped on her, then stabbed her about ten times with kitchen scissors. He later attempted to rob two vehicles while armed with a smashed wine bottle.
Cory Lavery: Nine-Hour Attack and Threats
Cory Lavery, of no fixed address, admitted assault occasioning actual bodily harm for a nine-hour attack in which he punched his partner to the face and body and grabbed her throat, threatening to smash her ribs. The woman did not support the prosecution. Recorder Giuliani sentenced Lavery to 25 months, stating, "I would be failing in my public duty if this sentence was to be suspended. (The victim) needs protection from you."
Colin Finch: Attempted Murder of Wife of 33 Years
Colin Finch, 78, repeatedly stabbed his wife of over 33 years as she slept in March. She was stabbed five times and underwent emergency surgery. Finch called an ambulance half an hour later, saying he had "tried to kill" her. He pleaded guilty to attempted murder and was jailed for eight years and eight months at Teesside Crown Court on June 10.
