The Thornaby Rapist, Stephen Durward, who raped and sexually attacked a woman while she was asleep attempted to conceal his actions by laundering his clothing upon returning home, a court was informed.
In the early hours of a night in 2019, Stephen Durward perpetrated offences against a woman; nevertheless, subsequent to the crime report, police located him at his residence shortly after 3am.
Durham Crown Court was informed that the defendant, Stephen Durward, was apprehended on suspicion of rape, and the officers requested the clothing he had worn for forensic analysis.
He informed them that they were in his bedroom; nevertheless, the items that were recovered were nicely folded and seemed unworn.
The court heard that Stephen Durward then conceded the clothes that he had most recently been wearing had just been washed.
He went on to be charged with offences of rape and sexual assault, which he denied, claiming both were consensual acts, but, following a trial at Teesside Crown Court, he was convicted of each of the offences by the jury, on January 12.
The 38-year-old defendant, Stephen Durward, of Sherwood Road, Thornaby, was remanded in custody to Durham Prison, from where he appeared by video link at todays (Tuesday February 14) sentencing hearing at the nearby crown court.
Defendant Stephen Durward, jailed for 90-months for rape and sexual assault
Rebecca Brown, for the prosecution, read the victims impact statement to the court, in which she said she felt, physically sick and disgusted at Stephen Durward’s actions.
She said it resulted in her having recurring nightmares and it led her to having to take, significant time away from work, before leaving the job due to a breakdown.
In the statement she outlined: Not a day goes by without thinking about what happened.
She said that her anxiety reached the point where she took an overdose last year as she could not, see a way out, and she feels that the offences, changed my life.
Miss Brown asked the court to consider the imposition of a restraining order for the protection of the victim.
Stephen Littlewood, for Stephen Durward, presented a number of character references to the court on his behalf.
He told the hearing: It appears these offences were completely out of character for someone who has led a productive and kind-hearted way of life and who has been an otherwise productive member of society.
I think it can be considered as a one-off for Mr Stephen Durward.
He has touched many peoples lives in a positive way and there will be a loss to those in his close family of not having him around.
Mr Littlewood also spoke of the significant delay in the case reaching a conclusion through the courts, given that the offences date from July 2019, which was not the fault of the defendant.
Recorder Paul Reid, who presided over last months trial, agreed and said the delays were, a matter of great regret, affecting both defendants and complainants in such cases.
In the light of his conviction the Recorder said the defendants remarks to police and his actions in immediately washing his clothing were cynical, due to the nature of the investigation.
He said it was clear from the victim statement that Stephen Durward’s actions on a vulnerable victim, given that she was asleep, have, shattered her life.
Recorder Reid added that despite the many positive sides to the defendants character that the court was told about, only an immediate lengthy sentence can be justified.
Imposing a 90-month (seven-and-a-half years) prison sentence for the principal offence of rape, with 50 months to run concurrently for the sexual assault, the Recorder also made Stephen Durward subject to both registration as a sex offender and a restraining order, prohibiting him from contacting or approaching his victim, both to run indefinitely.
Speaking after today’s sentencing hearing, Detective Inspector Lou Sproson, from Stockton CID, said: This horrendous incident had a huge impact on the victim, who was raped and sexually assaulted by someone she had trusted.
“Thankfully, he is now behind bars for a significant length of time, where he cannot harm anyone else.
Anyone who reports that they have been a victim of rape or sexual abuse can expect to be treated with sensitivity and by specially trained officers, with support available to those wish to access it.
“We will carry out a thorough investigation and those who carry out appalling offences like these will be brought to justice.
Anyone who has been a victim of rape of sexual abuse is encouraged to report the incident to police, by calling 101.
Alternatively, victims can contact Teesside Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) for help and support, regardless of whether or not the offence has been reported to police.
SARC provides 24-hour crisis intervention and a range of options, working in partnership with local specialist services, such as Barnados, A Way Out and Arch.
It can also access support on behalf of victims.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.