Rapist attacked the woman at her home.

Rapist Jailed for Nine Years After Leaving Victim in Fear

A man who left his victim living in fear has been jailed for nine years for rape.

Anthony Hamilton, 39, of Scholars View in Hetton-le-Hole, County Durham, attacked the woman at her home in 2021. He initially denied the charges, but was convicted by a jury at Newcastle Crown Court.

During sentencing, Hamilton, representing himself via video link from HMP Hull, maintained the sexual contact was consensual. However, Recorder Thomas Moran stated the victim had "submitted" to Hamilton due to being "terrified" of him.

The judge highlighted Hamilton's focus on his own sense of injustice, describing him as "emotionally unstable" and "self-pitying". He said Hamilton claimed to have "lost everything", but ultimately, his actions had a profound impact on his victim.

Hamilton has been ordered to sign the sex offender's register for life.