PAUL DEVANEY

MAN JAILED AFTER VIDEO EVIDENCE OF RAPE FOUND

Update 10/01/2026: In March 2025, Paul Devaney, 42, of no fixed abode, committed a series of offences against the same woman, which included punching her in the face and pinning her to a sofa in an address in Stockton, using his knee to restrict her breathing.

The woman was raped by Devaney, and video evidence of this was found on a mobile phone.

He pleaded guilty at court to committing an offence with the intention of committing a relevant sexual offence, rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and false imprisonment.

At Teesside Crown Court yesterday (Friday, January 9), Devaney was sentenced to life imprisonment with a recommendation to serve a minimum of eight years in prison, and he was given a lifetime restraining order.

...............................................................................................................................................................................................................

A man has been given a life sentence after video evidence of a rape was uncovered on a mobile phone.

Paul Devaney committed a string of offences in Stockton-on-Tees in March including punching the woman in the face and pinning her to a sofa, using his knee to restrict her breathing, Cleveland Police said.

Devaney, 42, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty in June to several charges including rape and false imprisonment.

Appearing at Teesside Crown Court, he was told he must serve a minimum term of eight years in jail.

Devaney was also handed a restraining order.

Det Con Jess Mangham, of Cleveland Police, said: "I am satisfied with the sentence today.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the victim in this case who has shown bravery and courage despite the significant impact this incident has had on her life.

Devaney will now spend a significant period behind bars, preventing him from harming others." The force said anyone who has experienced a sexual offence can contact Teesside Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), who provide 24-hour crisis intervention.