FORMER NORTH EAST SOCIAL SERVICES MANAGER JAILED FOR RAPING SLEEPING WOMAN
A former social services supervisor who assaulted a woman while she was asleep after encouraging her to consume large amounts of alcohol has been sentenced to prison.Peter Murray, who previously worked as a social worker in a management capacity, carried out the assault in Gateshead approximately two decades ago.
At the Newcastle Crown Court trial, Murray, aged 67 and residing on Upper Lisburn Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland, denied the charge of rape but was found guilty by the jury.
The judge, Recorder David Gordon, sentenced him to nine years in prison, stating that the victim was "very intoxicated" at the time and that Murray had been told she had been encouraged to drink to an extreme degree.
Recorder Gordon noted that Murray was also drinking during the incident and commented, "Both you and she had consumed a significant amount of alcohol.
She experienced memory loss and later became aware of you on top of her, engaging in vaginal intercourse, clearly without her consent since she had been asleep." He added, "She told you to stop and, it must be acknowledged, you did." The judge also highlighted that the victim has suffered from "anxiety and fear, anger and distress, shame and self-doubt" since the attack.
He further explained, "For over 20 years, she has been haunted by persistent, distressing memories that have caused her considerable, possibly severe, psychological harm." Defense lawyer Mark Barlow stated that Murray, who maintains his innocence, had dedicated 35 years to working as a social worker and managing social work teams in the area.
He pointed out that Murray, now required to register as a sex offender for life, is currently in custody in England but has his home and family in Northern Ireland.
The court also heard that Murray, who has age-related health issues and no prior criminal record, was a heavy drinker at the time of the offense but has since reduced his alcohol intake over the years.
