A "dangerous and violent" abuser who raped a woman has been jailed for 17 years. Mark Stephenson, formerly of Blackhall Colliery, left a woman with "emotional scars [she] will never be able to repair", a court heard.
The 36-year-old raped the woman while heavily under the influence of drink and drugs, damaged her house, and abused her both physically and verbally. Stephenson was arrested after the woman told police what had happened. He was charged with a number of offences, including rape, which he denied.
Trial and conviction
Following an eight-day trial, a jury found him guilty of two counts of rape and further offences. He also admitted harassment by breaching a restraining order after sending the woman text messages and phone calls.
Stephenson appeared at Durham Crown Court on Monday, August 10, where he was jailed for 17 years and handed a restraining order and Sexual Harm Prevention Order, both for 15 years.
Victim's statement
In a victim impact statement read out in court, the woman said she was relieved she had spoken out and been believed. "Speaking out about what has happened to me has been one of the hardest things I have ever had to do," she said.
"I am now starting the long process of finding myself again, finding who I am, finding what I want for me, and rebuilding my life. Mark has taken everything from me – I will never be the same person because of him. My life has changed forever. He made me feel worthless. The violence and sexual violence that I experienced have left emotional scars that I will never be able to repair."
Police response
Investigative Officer Rebecca Carey, from Durham Constabulary’s East Safeguarding Team, led the investigation. She said: "First and foremost, I want to commend the woman for having the bravery to come forward and disclose what had been happening to police."
"It takes a great deal of courage to speak out against an abuser. But by standing up to Stephenson and having her voice heard, she has helped to take a dangerous and violent man off the streets, who poses a clear risk to women and girls. I hope that she is able to take some form of closure from this outcome and is able to move forward with rebuilding her life."
Anyone experiencing sexual abuse can call Durham Constabulary on 101, or dial 999 in an emergency. Support is also available from The Meadows Sexual Assault Referral Centre, the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line, and the Rape and Sexual Abuse Counselling Centre.
