A SEX ATTACKER WHO RAPED A SLEEPING WOMAN HAS BEEN JAILED FOR SIX YEARS
Peter Esen's victim had fallen asleep fully clothed on a sofa and was horrified to discover that her trousers and underwear had been removed when she woke up.At Newcastle Crown Court, she reported the incident to the police, and DNA evidence linked Esen to the assault.
Esen, aged 36 and residing on Talbot Road in South Shields, initially remained silent when questioned.
Later, when asked about the DNA findings, he claimed the encounter was consensual sex.
He denied committing rape but was found guilty by a jury following a trial.
In a victim impact statement read aloud in court, the woman described feeling like "the most disgusting human ever" and said, "I feel like my dignity has been taken from me." She expressed that her mental health has been negatively affected and that she lives in fear of a recurrence.
She further stated, "He saw an opportunity and took advantage.
He could have admitted doing what he had done but chose not to which meant the further distress of having to go to trial.” Judge Gavin Doig ordered Esen to register as a sex offender for life.
The judge explained that an earlier admission could have resulted in a reduced sentence and spared the victim the ordeal of recounting the incident.
The court heard that the victim had consumed a considerable amount of alcohol that evening, which was confirmed by her urine sample.
She felt unwell and had vomited before going to sleep.
Upon waking, she found her lower body undressed, her belt on the other side of the room, and recognized what had occurred.
She subsequently reported the assault to police.
The judge emphasised that the victim was asleep and vulnerable when Esen took advantage of her, deliberately targeting her during her state of increased susceptibility.
