Sunderland man raped teenager and kept her prisoner in his room

A sex attacker who raped a teenager in the accommodation where he was staying, then kept her locked inside for over seven hours has been jailed.

Lee Metcalf and the victim, who had met on social media, chatted and watched television before the terrifying attack took place.

He had offered her alcohol and tried to get her drunk then threw her shoes out of the window in a bid to prevent her from leaving.

After seven-and-a-half hours of being kept inside, the victim - who was a teenager - managed to flee when a cleaner arrived after Metcalf had fallen asleep.

The 38-year-old, who has previous convictions for violence, formerly of Tynedale Crescent, Penshaw, denied rape and false imprisonment.

However, he was found guilty on both charges by a jury at Newcastle Crown Court in April.

Appearing back at the same court today, Judge Amanda Rippon sentenced him to nine years behind bars with an extended four-year licence period.

The judge told him: "When she was not compliant, you took what you wanted. You overpowered her easily and forcibly removed her clothes.

"During that period she suffered your changing mood from threatening her again and again, to offering her a job.

"She only managed to escape when a cleaner entered the room sometime around 7:30am because you had broken your sink and water was leaking on the room below."

The brave victim reported Metcalf to the police but he maintained his innocence throughout the investigation and the subsequent trial.

Speaking via an impact statement, she said: "The male raped me, threatened me and prevented me from leaving after he raped me by throwing my shoes out of the window.

"After this happened, I reported it to the police and they kept me up-to-date with the investigation. They told me he denied it during the interview.

"At court I had to give my evidence twice which I found really hard and stressful.

"I was determined to have my say in the hope this will prevent the male from doing it to anyone else."

She added that is she is now trying to move on with her life.

Laura Miller, defending, said Metcalf has a young grandchild and added: "This is a sentence the defendant will be in custody for a significant period of time.

"This is a man who is still relatively young in his mid-30s. He's not had the best of lives. He showed great prospects when younger."

She added that Metcalf suffered a plummet in his mental health and he gradually found himself being back before the courts, but more recently found work through family members.

Judge Rippon also imposed a lifetime restraining order.

Detective Constable Nick Moses of Northumbria Police’s Safeguarding department led the investigation.

He said: “Metcalf preyed on a teenager two decades his junior and subjected her to a terrifying ordeal.

“I absolutely welcome this sentence and hope it provides his brave victim with some comfort in knowing he’s now behind bars.

“I want to praise the survivor for her bravery and composure during the investigation and trial – because of your courage in coming forward, a dangerous man is locked up and will be unable to hurt anyone else.”

Det Con Moses added: “I hope this conviction serves as a stark warning to those with an unlawfully blurred view of consent that someone consenting to meet up with you or agreeing to go back to your room or home absolutely does not equate to sexual consent. “No one should ever have to endure this type of assault and support is available from our officers and the many fantastic charities and partners we work closely with. “If you have ever been a victim of rape or any type of sexual assault, we’re here for you.”

Anyone wishing to disclose a report of rape or sexual assault can visit Northumbria Police’s website for more information. If it is an emergency, always call 999.

Charlotte Dennison of the CPS said: “The victim in this case told police how she had initially been watching television and joking with Metcalf. However, when she said she had to leave at around midnight, Metcalf suddenly grew angry before physically forced himself upon her.

“Despite the girl telling him that she did not want sex, he continued, refusing to let her leave the room and making threats to hurt her. At one stage, he threw her shoes from the window of his room to prevent her escape.

“The following day his victim provided an account of her ordeal to police and the Crown Prosecution Service has worked closely with them to build a robust case against Metcalf. This was a terrifying ordeal for the young girl involved and we sincerely hope that the sentencing of her attacker today provides some measure of comfort.”