MICHAEL MATHER SENTENCED IN TEESSIDE FOR RAPE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT

A man convicted of rape and sexual assault has received a prison sentence of nine years and six months. Michael Mather, 33 years old, was found guilty by a jury at Teesside Crown Court on Wednesday. During the trial, it was disclosed that the victim was left feeling suicidal following the attack. In her statement read aloud in court, she shared her emotional distress, saying: "Due to this, I feel like giving up. I am physically drained. If it wasn't for my partner and my sister I wouldn't be here. I literally wouldn't be here." Mather, from Kingsbury Mews in Darlington, was convicted on multiple charges including rape, harassment, and four counts of sexual assault. Additionally, he pleaded guilty to two breaches of a non-molestation order. The court heard that Mather was under the influence of cocaine at the time of the assault. Judge Chris Smith handed down the sentence of nine years and six months in prison.