Thomas White, a rapist from Gateshead who attempted to strangle his victim, has received a 14-year prison sentence. Thomas White, 36, sexually assaulted his victim repeatedly last year at a location in Gateshead.
Thomas White forcibly encircled the woman’s throat with his hands and pulled her around the property by her neck, then attacking her by striking her in the face.
The police were summoned and promptly apprehended Thomas White in relation to the event.
The following day, Thomas White, from Gateshead, was indicted on many charges pertaining to the abuse.
In November, Thomas White faced trial at Newcastle Crown Court, where the jury was presented with footage of the abuse, recorded by the victim’s video doorbell, as part of the evidence.
After a seven-day trial, Thomas White was convicted of nine charges, comprising two counts of rape, two counts of intentional strangling, sexual assault, and assault.
Upon the trial’s conclusion, Thomas White was detained in custody.
Today (Friday), Thomas White appeared in the same court that sentenced him to 14 years of imprisonment. Upon his release, he will additionally be subject to an extended licence for five more years.
The victim described in court how the abuse had ‘permanent implications’ on her life. She said: “The long-term implications this has had on me seem endless. I became so low I even tried to take my own life.
“I struggle to get out of bed, struggle to leave the house and struggle to socialise. I live every day in fear.
“I still wake up having nightmares. I hope one day I can feel safe and happy again and regain the life he took from me.”
Thomas White will also spend the rest of his life on the Sex Offenders’ Register and was handed a lifelong restraining order to protect the victim.
In charge of the case was Detective Constable Jennifer Robinson, of Northumbria Police’s Rape Investigation Team (RIT).
Speaking after Thomas White’s sentencing, she said: “White is a dangerous man who has shown absolutely no regard for this woman’s feelings or the lasting effects this type of abuse can have.
“No-one should ever have to experience what she has been through, and her bravery in the decision to ring the police that day means she can now see her abuser behind bars – and think about moving forward and rebuilding her life.
“I hope this sentence has given her the much-needed closure she deserves, and also that it urges others who may be suffering in silence to reach out and report abuse to us.”
She added: “This result is an example of what we can do when we support survivors of sexual offences and hold their abusers to account.
“If you’ve been a victim of sexual abuse, please know that we can help you; report to us today.”
Anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse of any form can contact police by sending a direct message on social media, or by using the ‘Report’ forms or live chat function on the Northumbria Police website.
For those unable to contact police in this way, please call 101.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.