OFFENDER JAILED FOR TWO COUNTS OF RAPE AFTER HEINOUS ATTACKS
A rapist who showed no remorse to his victims and bragged of one of the attacks is beginning a long spell behind bars.Leigh Pear, 39, has gone to jail to serve a 14-year sentence denying his crimes against two women.
Judge Stephen Ashurst said the defendant had even "bragged" to an employee about one of the vile attacks.
Prosecutor Jo Kidd explained how Pear was convicted by a jury of two counts of rape.
On both occasions, the women had not consented to sexual activity but Pear had sex with them regardless.
At the time of the first offence the victim told Pear she did not want to have sex, but he did it anyway.
Afterwards, he continued to have sex with her, causing pain and leading her to ask him to stop.
The second victim was raped as she slept and woke to find Pear was having sex with her.
Ms Kidd described her as "particularly vulnerable".
He did not stop when she was asking him to, eventually she managed to push him off.
Judge Ashurst described the offences as "extremely serious" and sentenced Pear, of Milbank Road, Hartlepool, to 14 years.
"A dangerous man has been removed from our streets and while it can never undo what happened, I sincerely hope today’s outcome brings a degree of comfort to the women affected.
"They showed great bravery throughout the investigation and the legal process, and I wish them both well for the future."
