FERRYHILL OFFENDER SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS FOR ASSAULT AND RAPE
Scott Findlay, a man from Ferryhill in County Durham, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after being convicted of multiple serious crimes including rape, assault causing actual bodily harm, and making threats to kill.The court heard that Findlay subjected a young mother to a "prolonged and harrowing" attack in front of her two young children.
During the assault, Findlay was armed with a kitchen knife and assaulted the victim while she was holding her six-week-old baby.
The victim described the attack as occurring only six weeks after giving birth, with Findlay repeatedly punching her about the head as her seven-year-old child watched in terror.
The victim expressed relief that the case is finally over and praised her own bravery for giving evidence in court.
Judge Simon Hickey sentenced Findlay to 15 years for the crimes, which also included previous guilty pleas for dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, and criminal damage.
Detective Constable Katrina Meisuria from Durham Constabulary commended the victim for her courage and said that the conviction provides an opportunity for the family to move forward.
The case was prosecuted at Durham Crown Court, and Findlay was found guilty after a four-day trial following his guilty pleas on some charges and guilty verdicts on others.
The court's decision aims to serve justice for the severe impact on the victim and her children.
