JORDAN WAGSTAFFE OF HARTLEPOOL SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS FOR RAPE AND VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND ANIMALS

A man described as a "misogynistic bully" from Hartlepool has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 15 years after committing a series of heinous crimes, including rape, threats, and acts of violence against both a woman and her pet dog.

Jordan Wagstaffe, aged 26, was found guilty of multiple serious offences by Teesside Crown Court. The court heard that Wagstaffe had subjected his victim to a terrifying ordeal that involved not only sexual assault but also psychological torment and physical violence. He had threatened to share intimate images of her, which he had obtained through rape, in an attempt to intimidate and control her.

In addition to the threats, Wagstaffe had violently assaulted her pet dog with a baseball bat, an act that further demonstrated his violent and malicious nature. The court was told that he also issued threats against her children, coercing her into complying with his demands for sex. The woman described Wagstaffe as a "dangerous" individual, emphasizing the threat he posed to her safety and well-being.

Judge Jonathan Carroll, presiding over the case, described Wagstaffe as a "high risk" to women and highlighted the severity of his actions. The court heard that Wagstaffe had admitted to threatening to publish sexual images of the woman, but was also convicted of six other offences, including multiple counts of rape. The judge characterized Wagstaffe's conduct as a "truly shocking example" of a "bullying male" who used "psychological torture" and violence to dominate his victim.

Judge Carroll pointed out that Wagstaffe's misogynistic attitude and sense of "absolute sexual entitlement" were fueled by his general beliefs about women, which contributed to his violent and offensive behaviour. The court was told that Wagstaffe's actions were driven by deeply ingrained sexist beliefs and a disturbing attitude towards women.

During the proceedings, a statement from the victim was read aloud, in which she expressed her devastation and the profound impact Wagstaffe's actions had on her life. She stated that he deserved to be imprisoned for what he had done.

In sentencing, the judge noted that Wagstaffe was of low intelligence and suggested that until he addressed his issues with alcohol and his distorted sexist beliefs, he would remain a significant danger to the public, especially women. As a dangerous offender, Wagstaffe will be subject to an extended licence period of three years after his release. He is also required to register as a sex offender for life and must adhere to a restraining order that bans him from entering his victim's hometown, Hartlepool, until the end of his life.

Wagstaffe's case underscores the serious consequences of violent and misogynistic behaviour, and the court's decision aims to protect the community from further harm by this dangerous individual.