A bereaved family has commended law enforcement following the sentencing of the South Shields Rapist, Ryan Callaghan, who raped their cousin, leading to her suicide, to ten years in prison.
Ryan Callaghan, 33, sexually assaulted the woman while she was asleep at a location in South Tyneside.
The victim awoke, promptly exited the premises in a state of undress, and relayed the incident to a friend.
While escaping, she encountered a benevolent member of the public who offered her clothing and remained with her as she contacted the police.
Shortly thereafter, Ryan Callaghan was apprehended.
Tragically, the subsequent month, the victim committed suicide, alluding to the assault in the note she left for her family.
After a thorough investigation by the Force’s Safeguarding Department, under the direction of Detective Constable Amy Burridge, a rape charge against Ryan Callaghan was obtained in May 2023 through collaboration with the CPS.
This was accomplished with the assistance of the victim’s family and by utilising the victim’s testimony provided during the interview following the offences.
In March of this year, after a six-day trial at Newcastle Crown Court, Ryan Callaghan of Mowbray Road, South Shields, was unanimously convicted of rape by a jury.
Subsequent to the guilty conviction, he was placed in jail.
On June 17, he appeared at the same court, where he was sentenced to 10 years in imprisonment.
Ryan Callaghan will additionally remain on the Sex Offenders’ Register for the duration of his life.
The victim’s family have shared these words which were read in court to Ryan Callaghan: “Every parent can’t bear the thought of losing a child, just to imagine that loss is horrific.
“But now for us, we have to try and get through every day with the pain of knowing that our child was raped before she went on to take her own life.
“We’re sure everyone can understand that there are no words to describe what we are going through.
“Ryan Callaghan might have gone to prison, but we are serving a life sentence in the knowledge of what he did.
“He left her completely broken as a result of his actions.”
They added: “Ryan Callaghan showed no remorse for what he did and no sadness at all at the loss of her life.
“It’s a shame everyone involved with the case didn’t get to see the woman we all know and love. She was a kind, caring, funny and bright young woman. She was loved by all who knew her and had so many friends.
“We’d like to thank the barrister and the jury for seeing through Ryan Callaghan’s lies.
“However, it is cold comfort for us all, as she is gone, and can’t ever know that she got justice.”
Following the conclusion of the case, Detective Constable Amy Burridge, of Northumbria Police said: “This was an extremely distressing case due to the circumstances surrounding the report – and what tragically came after for the victim.
“After speaking with the family, it was imperative for me to be able to give the victim a voice and have her story heard in court, which it now has.
“I am absolutely delighted with the outcome of the trial, and the sentence imposed today. This case truly sends a message that we are committed to doing everything in our power to bring offenders such as Ryan Callaghan to justice.”
Det Con Burridge added: “I’d also like to take a moment to recognise and praise the victim for her bravery following the offences taking place.
“She informed a friend, and reported to police immediately, meaning we were able to quickly establish her account of what had happened, and fully take advantage of any forensic opportunities early on in the investigation.
“Even though she is tragically no longer with us, I hope her family can take some sense of closure knowing the person who caused her so much distress is now in prison and will be monitored by police for the rest of his life.”
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.