Police commend the victim’s bravery following the 15-year sentence for the Sunderland rapist
Police have praised the courageous rape victim for “movingly appealing” to the judge during her attacker’s trial.
After his victim came forward to disclose non-recent abuse, Frederick Newton, 61, of Hylton Road, Sunderland, was given a 15-year prison term. She wished to safeguard people from him.
Specialist detectives interrogated Newton, who insisted he was an innocent man, and they backed up the woman’s claims. He was then accused of raping two minor girls on two separate occasions.
He defended his innocence and entered a not guilty plea, but a Newcastle Crown Court jury saw through his deception and found him guilty of two counts of rape in June of this year after a trial.
In an August hearing, the victim read a specially-written statement to the judge in which she detailed the years of suffering she had undergone and pleaded with the jury to “protect others from him” by considering the death sentence for Newton.
On August 14, he received a 15-year prison term, a lifetime listing on the Sex Offenders’ Register, a restraining order barring future contact with the victim, and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
The investigation was directed by Detective Constable Amy Burridge of the Northumbria Police Safeguarding Division.
DC Burridge praised the victim, saying: “What she went through has obviously tormented her for years.
“It was not easy for the victim to come forward, to have to relive those experiences, and to participate in a trial and judicial proceedings, but her bravery and desire to keep others safe has shined through throughout.
“I sincerely hope that this sentence brings her some measure of comfort. I want to thank her for her courage, dignity, and compassion for others.”
This case demonstrates that, despite the passage of time, it is never too late to speak up for what you believe in and that justice may be served.
“Now is the time to speak up if you’ve been suffering in silence.”
Anyone desiring to report any form of sexual abuse can do so by dialling 101 or by filing a report online with the police department. Visit www.northumbria.police.uk for details and assistance.
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