Eaglescliffe Man Sentenced to 8 Years for Cold Case Rape

Giles Webster, a man accused of committing a serious sexual offense at his residence during the 1980s, was found guilty of the crime. After many years of suffering from the trauma, a woman he attacked reached out to authorities in 2021 to report what had happened. An in-depth investigation was carried out, leading to Webster's arrest and charging in 2022. His trial took place in March 2023, but he did not attend court while the jury was considering the case. It was subsequently discovered that Webster had fled to Scotland and Cumbria in an effort to avoid arrest. Thanks to persistent police efforts involving cooperation with Police Scotland and Cumbria Police, Webster returned to the Teesside area a week later and was remanded in custody ahead of sentencing. He was ultimately sentenced at Teesside Crown Court to eight years in prison for the offense of rape. A lifelong restraining order was also issued against him, and he was placed on the sex offenders register. Detective Constable Victoria Patrickson, who led the investigation, stated, 'Giles Webster targeted and raped a woman, then fled to Scotland and Cumbria to try to escape justice. Despite the many years that have passed, law enforcement pursued him tirelessly, and justice has now been served for the victim.' She highlighted the importance of reporting sexual crimes regardless of how much time has passed and encouraged other victims to come forward. Webster's case demonstrates that justice can be achieved even after decades, and it underscores the police's commitment to tracking down offenders and supporting victims of sexual violence.