A courageous rape victim concluded her harrowing experience by successfully striking her assailant, Dean Graham, in the face.
The victim, whose identity is safeguarded, had dozed off on a sofa in an apartment following a night out and awoke to discover Dean Graham assaulting her.
Her strike to his face halted the assault, however Dean Graham thereafter feigned ignorance and enquired why she had struck him.
Dean Graham, 42, of Kirkley Drive, Ponteland, refuted charges of rape and sexual assault but was found guilty by a jury following a trial at Newcastle Crown Court.
Prosecutor David Comb said the court: “Mr. Dean Graham exploited the circumstances he encountered for his own sexual gratification.”
“As she slumbered on the living room sofa, he drew near.”
In December 2018, the victim was commemorating her birthday and had visited a friend’s residence in Newcastle to stay the night.
Mr. Comb stated that she awakened upon realising the situation and remarked, “At that moment, she struck him in the face, which effectively compelled him to cease.”
She was astonished and agitated and initiated a hunt for her mobile phone.
“While she performed that action, he trailed her, feigning ignorance and enquiring about the reason for her striking him in the face.”
Mr. Recorder Tony Hawks sentenced Dean Graham to six years and ten months of incarceration and mandated that he register as a lifelong sex offender.
The court was informed that Dean Graham had prior convictions for violence and disruption, but none for sexual offences.
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