CALVIN CHAPMAN AND SHOCKING SEXUAL ASSAULT IN DURHAM
A man identified as Calvin John Chapman was sentenced to a nine-year prison term after being found guilty of a prolonged and disturbing sexual assault against a heavily pregnant woman in Durham.The incident, which took place within the city limits, involved a severe assault that continued despite the victim expressing her pain and distress.
According to court proceedings, during the attack, Chapman was made aware of the fact that his victim was experiencing significant pain, yet he persisted with his assault.
Moreover, he attempted to shift blame onto the helpless woman, further underscoring the brutality of the encounter.
The Durham Crown Court heard that the victim's initial silence was driven by fear, and it was only after she confided in a friend the following day that she was encouraged to report the assault to the authorities.
Subsequent to her reporting, Chapman was swiftly arrested on suspicion of committing multiple sexual offenses.
These allegations were said to have been committed during the same incident.
Chapman vehemently denied all charges against him, leading to a trial that took place in June.
The trial, which lasted a week, concluded with a jury's verdict that found Chapman guilty of two counts of rape.
However, the jury acquitted him of three other sexual offence charges related to the same incident.
Chapman, aged 25 and residing in Kirkfield Gardens, Catchgate, near Stanley, was also convicted of dangerous driving in connection with an earlier incident in nearby Dipton.
The court documents indicated that this was his first conviction for a sexual offence, but he had a prior conviction for an incident involving violence towards a woman.
During the sentencing hearing, Recorder Jamie Hill adjourned the case so that additional reports by the Probation Service and a psychiatrist could be reviewed.
The court was informed that the probation report classified Chapman as a medium risk for committing further sexual crimes.
The psychiatrist who examined him believed that Chapman narrowly fell short of being categorized as a dangerous offender.
A victim impact statement, read aloud behind a screen in the courtroom, detailed the profound psychological damage suffered as a result of the attack.
Despite her efforts to appear resilient, she described ongoing mental health struggles attributable to the assault.
The defense, represented by Joe Hedworth, challenged the extent of the psychological harm claimed by the victim and pointed out that the jury's verdicts on three of the charges indicated some doubt regarding the incident's duration or severity.
In delivering his sentence, Recorder Hill emphasized that he considered the attack to be sustained and deliberate.
Chapman was ordered to register as a sex offender and was also subject to an indefinite restraining order preventing him from contacting the victim in the future.
Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Kirsty Malone expressed her commendation for the victim's bravery.
She emphasized the importance of support services and encouraged victims to seek help.
Resources such as the website www.sorrysnotenough.co.uk, the confidential Harbour service at (03000) 202525, and The Meadows Sexual Assault Referral Centre at 0191-301 8554 are available for those affected by sexual violence in County Durham and Darlington.
These services are accessible to individuals of all genders, ensuring comprehensive support for victims seeking assistance.
