A construction worker known as Gavin Roberts, aged 29, was sentenced to seven years in prison after being convicted of breaking into a woman's home and raping her.
The incident occurred after he gained entry through an open window at her Hartlepool residence.
The woman fled into the street but was chased and subsequently raped twice by Roberts.
During the trial at Teesside Crown Court, Roberts, who has four stepchildren, denied the allegations, claiming they were "a figment of her imagination." He admitted to entering the house through the open window but dismissed the rape accusations.
He was convicted of raping the woman on June 19, 2005, but was cleared of an earlier charge of rape on December 4, 2003.
Judge Guy Whitburn QC sentenced Roberts to seven years, stating, "This is the least sentence I can pass." Roberts was also ordered to register as a sex offender for life.
Court Outcome
Conviction and Sentencing Details
Sentenced
Detected legal outcome
A construction worker known as Gavin Roberts, aged 29, was sentenced to seven years in prison after being convicted of breaking into a woman's home and raping her. The incident occurred after he gained entry through an open window at her...
Prison sentence
seven years
A construction worker known as Gavin Roberts, aged 29, was sentenced to seven years in prison after being convicted of breaking into a woman's home and raping her
Sex Offenders Register
seven years
Judge Guy Whitburn QC sentenced Roberts to seven years, stating, "This is the least sentence I can pass." Roberts was also ordered to register as a sex offender for life
