OFFENDER JAILED FOR RAPE AFTER SOCIAL MEDIA ATTACK IN NEWCASTLE
Kevin Wood of Fourstones, West Denton, was convicted of raping a woman he met through social media.The incident occurred after he met the victim on New Year's Eve 2015, during which they socialized, drank alcohol, and took drugs at her home in Newcastle.
According to court reports, Wood forced himself on the woman when she was resisting and clearly indicated she did not want to engage in sexual activity.
The victim managed to escape and seek help from neighbors, visibly distressed.
Wood was charged with one count of rape, and after pleading not guilty, a jury convicted him.
The Newcastle Crown Court sentenced Wood to six years in prison.
Judge Tim Gittins stated, 'You decided you were going to have sex that night, with or without her consent...
You forced yourself upon her, even though she was immediately resistent and made it perfectly clear to you that she didn’t want to engage in such activity.' The court also noted that Wood's behavior was influenced by his reaction to the news that his partner was pregnant, which he struggled to handle, leading to his criminal conduct.
Wood has struggled with employment and has used illicit drugs to cope with low moods.
His mitigation argued that he seeks to become a better person and a responsible father, but the court emphasized the severity of his actions and the breach of consent involved in the crime.
