Gateshead man rapes woman in her sleep after party

A man raped a sleeping woman following a cocaine and alcohol-fuelled party, a court has heard.

Craig Storey, from Gateshead, carried out the offence after both he and the woman had attended a party that went into the early hours of the morning.

The woman woke up to find Storey raping her, but he initially denied the offence until DNA evidence linked him to the crime.

Storey appeared at Newcastle Crown Court on Thursday 27 April to be sentenced for rape.

The 38-year-old had pleaded guilty to the single charge and was jailed for seven years and two months.

The court heard Storey and the victim had been at a party which involved people taking cocaine and drinking heavily.

When the party came to an end, the woman went to sleep, but she woke up to find Storey raping her.

Sue Hirst, prosecuting, said: "She had had a lot of alcohol and a line of cocaine and suddenly woke up to find the defendant behind her.

"She realised what was happening and she got a fright and jumped. The defendant pretended to be asleep."

The woman, who was "crying and upset", then left the property and the police were called, with a friend advising her to keep her clothing in a bag.

The court was told swabs were taken from the woman and Storey's DNA was found, but he initially denied the rape, saying he had no recollection of it.

Ms Hirst said the scientific evidence was presented to him in a second police interview and he later pleaded guilty to the offence.

Storey had one previous conviction and several cautions - none of which were of a sexual nature.

In a statement, the woman said after she reported the rape she was branded a "liar" by some and that the horrific incident "changed my life in so many ways". She said she now takes medication for anxiety and depression and has moved out of the area.

Shaun Routledge, mitigating, said Storey had been drinking and had taken cocaine at the party and "couldn't bring himself to accept what had happened".

He said Storey was "hard working" and that the incident will "never be repeated".

He said: "He just couldn't see the reality of what had happened. It was a very, very serious offence, and he is described in statements as generous, loyal and helpful." Mr Routledge added: "He is dreadfully sorry for what happened."

Storey was jailed for seven years and two months and will be on the sex offender's register for life. A restraining order was also imposed which will last until a further order.

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