'Dangerous' rapist jailed for 18 years to protect public

Marc Cameron has been told by a judge he poses a significant risk to females and that the public must be protected from him.

The 31-year-old, of Finchale Road, Hebburn, had denied two offences of rape and one of sexual assault on the woman but was found guilty by a jury.

He pleaded guilty to an offence of affray during an early hearing.

Newcastle Crown Court heard Cameron's brave victim gave evidence during the trial.

Judge Penny Moreland told him: "You ignored her protests as she told you to stop.

"She told the jury no matter how many times she told you to stop you went on."

Judge Moreland said the victim was subjected to "degradation and humiliation" by Cameron, who told the woman "nobody could stop him" and that he would stab her and blow her up.

The judge told Cameron he has "no understanding" of boundaries and added: "In my view, you have no understanding of the significance of your wrongdoing at all.

"There appears to be no prospect of the risk you pose being reduced in any way."

The judge said on top of the 18-year jail term, Cameron will face an extended five-year licence period and a lifetime of sex offender registration and sexual harm prevention order.

Judge Moreland added: "This is to protect members of the public from the significant risk of serious harm caused by your commission of further offences."

Nick Cartmell, defending, tried but failed to persuade the judge that Cameron did not need to be sentenced as a "dangerous" offender, which means he will serve at least two thirds of his jail term and be subject to the extended licence.

Mr Cartmell said Cameron had lost his mother and suffered other bereavements and added: "This took place at a time of great emotion and strain."