(Image: Durham Constabulary)
A County Durham man raped a woman, leaving her 'fearful' and feeling 'worthless' after drinking and taking drugs.
"Narcissistic" repeat rapist Mark Stephenson has been jailed for 14 years after he attacked the woman.
Following an eight-day trial in June, a jury found him guilty of two counts of rape, the second of which covered at least three occasions.
Stephenson, 36, formerly of Leaholme Terrace, Blackhall Colliery, and Shotton Colliery, appeared at the Durham Crown Court on Monday (August 10) via video link from HMP Durham, where he has been on remand.
Impact statements were read to his sentencing hearing on the victim’s behalf.
She said she has been left “fearful”, “anxious” and “depressed” and is worried for the day when Stephenson is released from prison in case he “comes looking for me”.
The court was told she is awaiting therapy and counselling.
She said Stephenson “belittled me” and made her feel “worthless”.
The offences were said to have taken place when Stephenson had abused drink and class A drugs, or both.
Kate Barnes, for the defendant, said he is aware he is facing, “a sentence of some considerable length” and has knuckled down in prison taking up work opportunities while also seeking the help of drink and drug recovery services available to inmates to address his substance misuse.
Judge Richard Clews said the defendant’s behaviour was characterised by selfishness and self-indulgence.
“You acted as you wanted, in a wholly narcissistic and abusive manner," he said.
“You took alcohol and class A drugs, making you unpredictable and frightening.
“When you decided that you were going to have sex, it was going to happen.”
The judge said his actions caused “a significant long-term effect” on his victim.
Imposing the long jail term, Judge Clews also made the defendant subject of both a restraining order and Sexual Harm Prevention Order, in each case for 15 years.
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Stephenson must also register as a sex offender “indefinitely”
As he is also considered a “dangerous” offender he must serve at least two-thirds of that sentence before his release is possible, but only if the Parole Board deems it suitable.
Upon his eventual release, whenever that may be, he will be subject to an extended three-year period of licence supervision.