COUNTY DURHAM SEX OFFENDER JAILED FOR RAPE
A convicted sex offender named Mark Tweddle has been sentenced for a serious sexual assault.Tweddle, aged 38, of St Agathas Close, Brandon, was found guilty of raping a sleeping, vulnerable woman after meeting her online on the chat and dating app MeetMe.
The victim had clearly expressed her wish to be just friends, and they arranged to meet for a drink at his home.
During the encounter, she fell asleep and was horrified to discover that Tweddle had raped her while she was unaware.
She initially ran outside but was persuaded to return by Tweddle, who apologized and promised he would sleep on the sofa, despite not having one.
The woman then dialed 999, leading to police arresting Tweddle.
He claimed the sex was consensual, but the jury convicted him of rape.
Tweddle was sentenced to nine years in prison, with a two-thirds term to be served physically.
The judge branded him a dangerous offender, citing his prior offending and the risk he poses to the public.
The court highlighted Tweddle's previous charges, including a 45-month sentence in 2018 for targeting a 13-year-old girl on Snapchat, sharing sexual messages, requesting indecent images, and persuading her to meet him, which resulted in his arrest.
He also breached a sexual harm prevention order by engaging in a secret relationship that led to the removal of children from their mother.
Tweddle failed to disclose his previous offenses to the army, falsifying documents sent to probation.
The victim described the trauma, stating, 'It left me feeling violated, disgusted, dirty and used.
I feel angry and like I am losing myself.
I’m struggling to face each day, and I’ve lost trust in all males.
I live in fear and believe my life has been permanently damaged.' The judge emphasized the significant risk Tweddle's behavior poses to public safety and expressed his concern over Tweddle's denial of the recent offense despite being convicted.
