MARK ANTHONY WILSON AND LEWIS ANTHONY BATES SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC RAPE IN DURHAM

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Durham, two teenage boys, Mark Anthony Wilson and Lewis Anthony Bates, were found guilty of carrying out a prolonged and brutal sexual assault on a young girl. The incident unfolded after the girl, only 13 years old, was persuaded to enter a vehicle driven by Bates, following a brief roadside encounter with the trio.

According to court proceedings, Wilson and Bates appeared to have only one intention once the girl was inside the car. Witnesses and court transcripts revealed that comments such as "She’s game, so we’ll go" and references to a "foursome" were made as the girl climbed into the back of a Seat Ibiza. She was accompanied by a third individual, Sam Jordan Hunter, who is Bates’ cousin.

The vehicle then drove to a secluded area near an industrial estate overlooking the Durham coast. Bates parked the car at a remote track, and both Wilson and Bates exited, leading the girl to a nearby fenced-off area. It was here that the assault, lasting approximately thirty minutes, took place. During this time, Wilson and Bates took turns raping the girl, with Hunter remaining in the vehicle and not participating in the attack.

After the assault, the offenders returned the girl to the car and drove her back to the location where she had been picked up earlier that evening, on Sunday, August 25 of the previous year. The girl, visibly distressed and in pain, was unable to walk properly and was physically sick upon returning home. She confided in her mother about the ordeal, prompting her to seek medical attention at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary. The assault was subsequently reported to the police.

Following the investigation, Wilson, Bates, and Hunter were among several youths from Hartlepool who were arrested. Wilson, now 18 and residing on Arkley Crescent, and Bates, aged 19 from Runciman Road, faced multiple charges, including three counts of rape. Hunter, aged 18 and living on Hirdman Grove, was also charged with child abduction.

Earlier this year, after a trial lasting two weeks at Durham Crown Court, Wilson and Bates were convicted of a single count of rape each. All three defendants were found guilty of child abduction, with verdicts of 10-2 in favor of guilt. The jury was unable to reach a unanimous decision on the additional rape counts, which were left on file. The court ordered that all three defendants remain in custody while background reports and psychological assessments are prepared ahead of sentencing.

During the sentencing hearing held on Thursday, August 28, the defense argued that both Wilson and Bates, who were 17 at the time of the offense, were immature and that their actions were part of an impulsive escapade that spiraled out of control. They expressed remorse for their involvement. Jane Waugh, representing Hunter, emphasized that her client did not leave the vehicle or participate in the assault.

Judge Christopher Prince described the attack as "horrific" and emphasized the lasting impact on the victim. He condemned the defendants’ treatment of the girl as brutal and callous, highlighting their complete disregard for her humanity. The judge noted that the physical injuries and emotional trauma inflicted during the attack would likely leave scars that could persist for the rest of her life.

Wilson and Bates received sentences of 14 years each in a young offenders’ institution and are required to register as sex offenders for life. Hunter was sentenced to 18 months in a young offenders’ institution. The judge commended the legal teams for their sensitive handling of the case and praised Detective Constable Helen Tindale of Peterlee CID for her role in leading the police investigation.