(Image: Cleveland Police)
A "dangerous" rapist who "humiliated and degraded" a woman, leaving her “constantly on edge”, is starting a lengthy jail sentence.
Sam Walker’s victim said his actions left struggling to sleep and fearing danger even when there is nothing to be concerned about.
The 28-year-old went on trial at Durham Crown Court on June 29, having previously denied raping the woman.
But five days into the hearing he changed plea and admitted his offending, on July 3, since when he has remained remanded in HMP Durham.
He appeared via video link from the prison at today’s (Tuesday August 18) sentencing hearing, at Teesside Crown Court.
A victim statement was read to the court, in which the woman said the offending had left her "feeling constantly on edge", struggling to sleep, fearing any noise at night, and she no longer feels at ease in her own home.
Peter Glenser KC, prosecuting, told the court that Walker left the woman suffering significant psychological damage, feeling "humiliated and degraded" by his actions.
Andrew Turton, in mitigation, said despite his late admission of guilt, Walker had shown some element of insight and remorse when discussing his criminality with the author of a pre-sentence Probation Service report.
But Recorder Alistair Macdonald KC, who presided over the trial, told Walker he considered him to be a “dangerous” offender, with an entrenched criminal tendency.
He imposed an extended sentence with a 15 year and eight-month custodial element, of which the defendant must serve at least two-thirds before being eligible for release by the Parole Board.
Upon his release he will be subject to three year and four months’ licence conditions.
Walker, of Langdale Cresent, Grangetown, Middlesbrough, was also made subject of indefinite registration as a sex offender.
A restraining order was also put in place for the protection of the victim, also to run “indefinitely”.