Praise for rape victim's 'incredible courage' as attacker is jailed after crown court trial

John Farrow, 33, was found guilty of rape after he crawled into the woman’s bed as she slept.

The two were staying at the same address after a party.

Farrow, of Bruce Kirkcup Road, Horden, denied the charge but was convicted after a trial at Newcastle Crown Court and sentenced to eight years and 10 months behind bars.

Detective Constable Kit Tipling, of the Rape Investigation Team, said: “The victim showed incredible courage by reporting what had happened and helping us throughout our investigation. Her actions have now resulted in Farrow going on to spend nearly a decade locked up.

“I know how hard it has been for her and I want to thank her for her resilience and strength throughout the entire process, from contacting police so swiftly to assisting us throughout the entire court process, she has shown immense dignity and courage.

“I know that no sentence will ever take away the pain of what happened but I sincerely hope it will provide some comfort and can, hopefully, allow her to move on from this awful ordeal.”

The woman’s victim impact statement was read aloud in court.

She said: “Someone close to me says I have changed as a person, that I am less tolerant and more moody. She said I used to be bubbly.”

“The rape which I was a victim of is the first thing that I think about when I wake up in the morning and it’s the last thing that I think about before I go to sleep; it has impacted my life a great deal.

“Hopefully I will be able to get on with my life and get back to feeling the way I used to feel.”

Anyone who has been a victim of rape, sexual assault or abuse, recent or historic, can contact Northumbria Police on 101 or via the "Tell Us Something" page of the force’s website. Always call 999 in an emergency.

The 24/7 Crisis Helpline can also be contacted on 03333 448 283.