Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Rape and Assault

Lee Kenneth Murphy, 49, was sentenced to 20 years in prison at Teesside Crown Court today (24^th July) after being convicted of two counts of rape and assault.

Murphy attacked and raped his victim on two occasions (in 2022 and in 2023).

Detective Chief Inspector Simone Bennett head of the Domestic Abuse Unit said: “No one should have to succumb to such violent and despicable crimes that Murphy committed against his victim.

“His actions towards the victim in this case were nothing less than inhumane and cruel, which I have no doubt will have a lasting impact on the victim’s life.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the victim in this case for her bravery. She has not only took that unimaginable critical step to come forward to report these incidents to police, she has also lived through this distressing time all over again throughout the trial. Without the victim demonstrating such courage Murphy would not have been convicted of these heinous crimes.”

“I would also like to thank the team for their hard work and tenacity, the jury and the support of the judge in this case, which has resulted in Murphy receiving a lengthy sentence in prison where he belongs.”