Rapist hid schoolgirl behind false wall and kept women captive

A rapist who kept women captive in his home as 'sex slaves' and hid aschoolgirl behind a false wall is facing a lengthy prison sentence.

Michael Dunn, who has lived in east Cleveland, County Durham and Gateshead, also groomed two teenagers, convincing themthat they were in a relationship with him. He raped another as sheslept.

Dunn, 57, created a "hidey-hole" behind a fridge and hid one of histeenage victims in there when police visited looking for the runaway, a courtheard.

Details of the ordeals emerged during a trial at Teesside Crown Courtwhere Dunn was convicted of 10 rapes, three charges of false imprisonment and three of sexual assault. He was cleared of one rape and making threats to kill.

He was physically and sexually violent to the two adults, and his offending stretched across five decades, a jury heard.

He had lived in Liverton Mines, east Cleveland, before moving toManchester, Cambridgeshire, Gateshead, Ludworth in County Durham, and back to Dormanstown and nearby Redcar.

Judge Tony Briggs remanded Dunn, of Alfred Street, Redcar, in custody until his next appearance.

Speaking after the case, children's charity the NSPCC labelled Dunn a 'a violent sexual predator' who went to extraordinary lengths to cover up his sickening crimes.

A spokesman said: “His actions will have had a hugely damaging effect on his vulnerable young victims and they’ve shown tremendous courage in reliving their ordeals in court.

“Thanks to them justice has finally been served and a long campaign of horrific abuse is over."

Victims can contact the NSPCC helpline in confidence, 24 hours a day seven days a week, on 0800 808 5000. Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or at www.childline.org.uk.”