DAVID CHARLTON

David Charlton ignored the woman’s objections, despite her telling him 'no,' and continued with the sexual assault.

During the assault, the victim described feeling as if she 'went into my own little world' upon realizing she could not stop him.

The 41-year-old from Blakelaw in Newcastle denied allegations of rape and sexual assault but was convicted by a jury after proceedings.

Today, at Newcastle Crown Court, he was sentenced to eight and a half years in prison and ordered to be on the sex offenders register for life.

Prosecutor Vince Ward told the court that the woman had told Charlton 'no' and made efforts to push him away.

Despite her resistance, he continued with the attack.

Mr Ward explained that she said she 'sort of went into my own little world' until the assault was over.

The victim described the rape as 'brief, not lasting long, but feeling like an eternity' to her.

According to Mr Ward, she added that after the attack, Charlton simply got up and left.

She contacted her husband afterward, which led to police intervention.

Charlton was questioned, but apart from asserting that the sex had been consensual, he made no further remarks.

In an impact statement, the victim said she has been struggling both personally and professionally since the incident, suffering from flashbacks, nightmares, and panic episodes.

Defence spokesperson Jane Foley stated that Charlton denies the charges and does not agree with the jury’s verdict.

She also mentioned that he has a family that supports him and has received character references indicating he is a positive individual.