Description "No always means no" - That's the message from officers after a rapist was jailed for 15 years. Martin Lee, 40, previously of Hexham, forced his victim to have sex with him despite her frequent pleas for him to stop. Last year, his brave victim came forward and reported the abuse to police. Lee was subsequently arrested and charged with rape. He initially denied his guilt but on the day that his trial was due to begin at Newcastle Crown Court in April, he changed his plea to guilty and admitted three offences – including two counts of rape. And on Friday, July 14, he was back at the same court where a judge sentenced him to 15 years behind bars, placed him on the sex offenders' register for life and handed him a restraining order preventing him from contacting his victim. Detective Constable Lynsey Oliver, from Northumbria Police's safeguarding unit, led the investigation. She said: "Lee's offending had started to follow a very dangerous pattern – more than once he was told unwaveringly no by his victim, who was clearly distressed and attempted to fight him off. "He is a dangerous man and our area is most certainly safer with him behind bars. I want to praise the survivor for contacting police and for continuing to assist with the investigation, trial and all court proceedings. It is thanks to her that a predatory man is behind bars. I sincerely hope her bravery and this sentence will give other people the confidence to come forward and speak with police." She added: "I hope this sentence serves as a stark warning to those with an unlawfully blurred view on consent that no always means no. If a person tells you no, attempts to push you away, freezes, or very clearly becomes distressed, it is clear that they have not given you consent to touch them. "Someone consenting to go on a date with you, allowing you in their home or even being in a relationship with you absolutely does not equate to automatic sexual consent – no scenario or relationship does. No one should ever have to endure this type of assault and support is available from our officers and the many fantastic charities we work closely with. "If you have ever been a victim of any type of sexual assault, we're here for you."