Detectives praise victim as man is jailed for 26 years

A detective has praised a victim for their bravery and courage after a rapist was sentenced to 26 years.

An investigation was launched after a woman reported to police in 2022 that she had been raped multiple times between 2002 and 2011.

Paul McQuade from Stockton was arrested and subsequently charged with four rapes, one attempted rape and three counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

He denied the offences, however, during a trial at Teesside Crown Court in July, the jury found him guilty of all eight offences.

The 49-year-old appeared at Leeds Crown Court on Friday 30^th August where he was sentenced.

Detective Sergeant Ali from the Domestic Abuse Solutions Team said: “The victim showed tremendous courage and resolve to contact the police and disclose the abuse she had suffered years ago.

 “She had to relive the trauma of what happened to her by giving evidence against him but thankfully, the jury saw through McQuade's lies and returned a guilty verdict on all charges.

“I hope the victim and her family can find some comfort knowing McQuade is now in prison and is no longer able to harm anyone else.”

It’s never too late to report an incident to police; we have specially trained officers who will support you throughout. You can report at any time of day or night online via the Cleveland Police website or by phoning 101.