Thomas Dodds, a 56-year-old man from Hebburn, Tyne and Wear, has been sentenced to eight years and six months in prison for the rape of his victim.

Dodds attacked his victim while she was resting in bed after feeling unwell and vomiting earlier in the evening. Specialist officers from Northumbria Police's Safeguarding Department quickly launched an investigation after a friend of the victim reported the crime. Dodds was arrested on the same evening but denied the offense.

Despite his denials, Dodds was charged with rape and, following a four-week trial at Newcastle Crown Court in December, he was found guilty by a jury. He appeared back at the same court on Wednesday for sentencing where he received an eight-year and six-month prison sentence.

In addition to his imprisonment, Dodds has been made subject to a 12-year sexual harm prevention order and placed on the sex offender register. Detective Constable Amy Burridge of Northumbria Police's Rape Investigation Team led the investigation.