WIRRAL MAN JAILED AFTER BEING FOUND GUILTY OF RAPE
A WIRRAL man has been jailed after being found guilty of raping a woman in Leeds.Craig Middleton, 53, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court for sentencing today (Wednesday, January 21) following a trial where he was found guilty of two offences of rape.
The court heard both offences took place in 2009 at two different addresses in Leeds where Middleton lived at the time.
On the first occasion, Middleton "pinned" the woman down before raping her, then locked her in the property "for a significant time".
Following the second offence, Middleton, who appeared in court via video link from HMP Liverpool, poured boiling water over her hand and warned her that "it would get even worse" if she told anyone.
The woman addressed her victim impact statement to Middleton, describing "being left with deep scars".
She said: "I decided after living in the shadows with the abuse I suffered I deserved to be free of the mental torture.
Over the years I have become withdrawn, anxious and have struggled to trust anyone for a very long time.
I still face challenges every day.
I am determined to let that part of my life die and I want to become the best version of myself and allow myself to finally heal." Andrew McInnes, defending, said Middleton maintained his denials of the offending.
Sentencing Middleton, of Moorland Road, Tranmere, His Honour Judge Robert Trevor Jones said: "In this case there is undoubtedly psychological harm and damage.
You continue to maintain your innocence and it seems you consider forceful sexual intercourse is something you are entitled to exercise." Judge Trevor Jones sentenced Middleton to 10 years in prison and imposed an indefinite restraining order against his victim, along with an indefinite notification requirement.
