‘Hugging my boyfriend was hard for a long time’
RAPIST’S VICTIM REVEALS EXTENT OF TRAUMA AFTER ATTACKER IS JAILED
“THIS may be the start of a very long journey to recovery.”
Those are the words of hope from a brave survivor as her rapist was jailed for 20 years.
Derek Patterson, 55, of Denmark Street, Gateshead, had sexually abused and raped his young victim.
The abuse started when she was in her teens and continued for a decade, leaving Patterson’s young victim plagued with nightmares.
As an adult, she contacted the police and bravely spoke out about the abuse.
Patterson was arrested and later charged, but he denied his extensive crimes.
In October, he appeared at Newcastle Crown Court, where a jury found him guilty of a string of charges including rape and sexual assault when he stood trial. On Monday, he was back before the same court, where he was sentenced to 20 years behind bars and given a lifetime sexual harm prevention order.
He will remain on the sexual offender register for life.
The judge heard a statement from Patterson’s courageous victim in which she said: “I struggle to sleep and get flashbacks regularly. The memories of being hurt are still there and probably always will be.
“It has taken me a long time to even hug my boyfriend without getting an unhappy feeling in my stomach.”
But looking to the future, she added: “I will say that I am extremely happy with the outcome of the trial and feel as though I was believed and supported. This may be the start of a very long journey to recovery.”
Det Con Lee Boys, of Northumbria Police’s safeguarding department, has worked closely with the victim since she first came forward. He said: “Firstly, I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank the victim in this case for not only having the bravery to come forward and tell us what happened but also the courage and resilience to continue to work with the officers throughout the trial and right up to sentencing.
“In speaking out she has shown immense courage and hopefully this conviction and sentence will not only give her a degree of closure but also send a strong message to any other victims of sexual abuse within our community that you will be heard and Northumbria Police and our partner agencies will do our best to get you justice.”
Anyone who has been a victim of rape, sexual assault or abuse, recent or historic, is asked to contact police on 101 or report via the “Tell us something” section of the Northumbria Police website. Always call 999 in an emergency.
To contact the 24/7 Crisis Helpline call 03333 448 283. Victims can also get independent advice and support from Victims First Northumbria on 0800 011 3116.