MARK NEWTON AND SHOCKING SEXUAL OFFENCES IN DURHAM

A man who is already serving a lengthy prison sentence for sexual violence has been handed an additional 11-year term after being convicted of multiple rapes against another woman. Mark Newton, previously sentenced to a total of 14 years and three months along with a five-year extended licence, was deemed by a judge at Newcastle Crown Court in March 2021 to pose a high risk of causing serious harm to women due to his violent and sexual assaults on two victims.

Today, Friday November 24, Newton appeared before Durham Crown Court to be sentenced after admitting to four counts of rape, one count of attempted rape, and two counts of assault causing actual bodily harm. These offences occurred just weeks before a scheduled trial for the same charges, but Newton chose to plead guilty instead of proceeding to trial.

The court was informed that the 32-year-old defendant, formerly residing at South View Gardens in Annfield Plain near Stanley, has an earliest possible release date for his previous convictions set for January 2030. However, due to the severity of his latest crimes, he may be required to serve until October 2034 before being eligible for parole, and he will now begin serving his new sentence.

It was revealed that Newton’s recent offending took place during the period when he was already committing offences for which he had been previously convicted. These new crimes only came to light after he was taken into custody for his earlier offences, highlighting the ongoing danger he posed.

Dr. Chris Wood, who provided a victim impact statement, detailed the brutality of the assaults. In some instances, Newton used physical violence, including one occasion where he tightly gripped a victim’s neck and ominously told her, “I hope you have said goodbye to the kids.” This act caused her to black out. When she regained consciousness, Newton dragged her into a bedroom and attempted to rape her. She struggled and tried to escape by climbing out of a window.

Despite her repeated protests that she did not want sex, Newton insisted, “You’ll do what I say. You’ll live by my rules.” It was only after Newton was detained for his other offences that the victim came forward to provide a detailed account of her ordeal. She described feeling “mentally and physically traumatised,” and now she avoids going out, struggles with sleep, and experiences panic attacks. She is currently undergoing therapy to help cope with her trauma.

During interviews, Dr. Wood noted that Newton appeared to be “effectively in denial” about his actions. In mitigation, defence lawyer David Callan explained that once medical reports confirmed Newton was fit to plead, he admitted to the charges several weeks before the trial was scheduled to begin. Mr. Callan also mentioned that Newton suffers from ADHD as an adult and is on medication for it.

He added that since Newton’s transfer from HMP Northumberland to Durham Prison, he has adopted a “positive attitude” towards serving his sentence. “He’s taking it day by day and just wants to focus on completing his time and awaiting his hearing before the Parole Board,” Mr. Callan stated.

Judge James Adkin expressed his firm belief that Newton qualifies as a “dangerous offender,” emphasizing that he poses a significant risk of committing further serious offences, especially against women. Addressing Newton directly, the judge stated, “You have now shown yourself capable of serious sexual offences against three women.”

The judge sentenced Newton to a further 11 years in prison, along with a three-year extended licence period. The new sentence is to run consecutively with his existing sentence. Newton will be required to serve at least two-thirds of this new term before being considered for release by the Parole Board, underscoring the serious nature of his crimes and the ongoing threat he poses to the community.