Man Sentenced after Rape and Sexual Assault Investigation
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A 38-year-old man has been sentenced to seven-and-a-half-years in prison after being convicted of rape and sexual assault following an investigation by Stockton CID.
Stephen Durward, of Sherwood Road, Thornaby, was sentenced at Durham Crown Court today, Tuesday 14th February, following the incident in July 2019.
A woman in her thirties was raped and sexually assaulted by Durward, who she had “known and trusted”, in Stockton.
The woman said that the incident had left her feeling “physically sick”, that she was “scared to leave the house” and suffering with reoccurring nightmares.
Detective Inspector Lou Sproson from Stockton CID said: “This horrendous incident had a huge impact on the victim, who was raped and sexually assaulted by someone she had trusted. Thankfully, he is now behind bars for a significant length of time, where he cannot harm anyone else.
“Anyone who reports that they have been a victim of rape or sexual abuse can expect to be treated with sensitivity and by specially trained officers, with support available to those wish to access it. We will carry out a thorough investigation and those who carry out appalling offences like these will be brought to justice.”
Anyone who has been a victim of rape of sexual abuse is encouraged to report the incident to police by calling 101.
Alternatively anyone who is a victim of rape or sexual abuse can contact Teesside Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) for help and support, regardless of whether or not the offence has been reported to police.
SARC provides 24-hour crisis intervention and a range of options. SARC works in partnership with local specialist services (such as Barnado’s, A Way Out and Arch) and can access support on behalf of victims. SARC crisis workers are available on 03333448283 at any time of day or night.
Sexual offences can also now be reported online to Cleveland Police. To report a sexual offence online, please visit:
*** Image of Stephen Durward ***