'Dangerous' sex predator raped and bit woman after forcing his way into her home during power cut

A "dangerous" sex predator forced his way into a woman's home during a power cut then raped and bit her in a terrifying attack.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

David Sorlie pushed the victim onto the floor in her hallway behind the front door and subjected her to a shocking ordeal she fears she may never recover from.

Newcastle Crown Court heard the attack happened late at night during a blackout at her home when the woman answered the door, thinking it was a workman who had knocked.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The victim said she was left "broken, hollow" by what happened.

David SorlieDavid Sorlie
David Sorlie

In an impact statement she said: "I am slowly starting to rebuild my life. I am getting stronger everyday with the help from professionals, family and friends. I struggle to accept love and compassion."

Sorlie, 35, of Nailsworth Close, Boldon Colliery, denied rape and five assault charges but was convicted by a jury.

At the time of the offence Sorlie was out on licence from a 27-month jail term for stabbing a man in the neck.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He has previous convictions for chasing and threatening to stab a woman so he could steal her bag, and other robbery offences.

Judge Edward Bindloss sentenced Sorlie to 12-and-a-half years behind bars with a four-year extended licence.

The judge said Sorlie, who must now sign the sex offenders register for life, poses a "significant risk of serious harm" to the public and is "dangerous".

Judge Bindloss told him: "You, uninvited, forced your way into the home of the complainant while you were under the influence of either drugs or alcohol.

"It was late at night, she was in her pyjamas, it was during a power cut.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"You pushed her to the ground and raped her. During the rape you bit her.

"This was all during a blackout, on the floor of the hallway, just inside the door."

Detective Constable Dixon of Northumbria Police said: "Sorlie is a vile predator who thought he could do what he wanted to the victim but thanks to her bravery, he is now behind bars where he belongs.

"No one should ever be treated this way and I hope this case sends a clear message that we will take action and do all we can to get victim's voices heard, and their cases before the courts."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Abigail Bright, defending, said Sorlie is capable of rehabilitation and has caused no trouble while in prison on remand.

The court heard Sorlie has no previous convictions for sexual offending.

You can subscribe to this website and enjoy unlimited access to local news, information and puzzles online. With a digital subscription, you can read more than five articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Simply click ‘Subscribe’ in the menu.