MAN JAILED FOR DECADE AFTER RAPING CHILD
A man from Newton Aycliffe has been sentenced to ten years in prison after being convicted of raping a child.David McDonald, aged 64, was found guilty by a jury on April 1 following a three-day trial at Durham Crown Court.
Despite denying the charges, he was convicted of the sex assault along with 11 other charges, which he was acquitted of.
The case was postponed to allow for a pre-sentence report by the Probation Service and for the victim to deliver a statement detailing the impact of the incident.
This statement was presented during the sentencing hearing on Friday, June 5.
The victim described enduring ongoing suffering, stating the trauma has been "insufferable," leaving them afraid to sleep and experiencing paranoia.
Since the assault, they have been unable to look at themselves in the mirror, and they find being alone difficult.
The victim also revealed that the image of the defendant’s silhouette still haunts their thoughts and that the incident has caused a deep distrust of men.
Expressing their desire for a normal life, the victim said, "I just want a normal life but he’s stripped me of that." Prosecutor Annie Richardson explained that a restraining order was sought to ensure the victim's safety and peace of mind.
Defense lawyer Paul Abrahams acknowledged there was no opposition to the restraining order.
He highlighted the defendant’s long-standing 'good character' as a primary mitigating factor, despite his consistent denial and conviction based on DNA evidence linking him to the crime.
Recorder Jamie Hill KC noted that while McDonald maintained his innocence during trial, the DNA evidence proved his guilt.
McDonald was sentenced to ten years, with the requirement to serve at least two-thirds before potential parole.
Additionally, an indefinite restraining order was issued against him, and he will be registered as a sex offender indefinitely.
