GATESHEAD RAPIST JAILED FOR LIFE AFTER TERRIFYING ATTACK ON ELDERLY WOMAN

Neil McKay reports that elderly woman who endured a terrifying sexual assault at the hands of convicted rapist Terence Gibbons was present in court to witness his sentencing. Gibbons, aged 47, of Saltwell Road, Bensham, Gateshead, was found hovering over his 81-year-old female victim at 3.50am on June 20 of the previous year. He demanded to know where her money and jewelry were kept, then forced her onto her bed and sexually assaulted her. After the attack, he warned her he would return and set her house on fire if she contacted the police. When the woman begged for mercy, crying "Oh God, Oh God," Gibbons told her: "He's not here to help you."

Judge Brian Forster at Durham Crown Court described the case as "one of the worst" involving assault and humiliation of an elderly person. Gibbons, who had admitted charges of burglary and causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent, was sentenced to an indefinite term for public protection and cannot apply for parole until September 2011.

The court background revealed Gibbons' previous conviction for the rape of a woman met on a night out in 1982, along with multiple burglary convictions. Detective Sergeant Dave Kay, who led the inquiry, characterized Gibbons as "evil and dangerous," expressing hope that he would never be released. After sentencing, the police officer stated, "Gibbons is an evil dangerous man. Personally I cannot see him changing in character and it is quite possible he will never be judged safe to return to the community. The attack had a devastating effect on the elderly woman, changing her outlook on mankind." The victim was pleased to have been present for the sentencing.