Man who raped two women has been jailed for eight years

A man who raped two women has been jailed for eight years.

James Wright, 25, raped both victims at his Sunderland address last year.

He also assaulted one of the victims by throwing a mobile phone at her.

The brave victims reported what had happened to police and Wright was arrested in connection with the incidents.

Following two complex investigations by the Force’s Safeguarding Department, Wright, of Hampstead Road, Sunderland, was charged with a number of offences related to the abuse of the two women.

After appearing at Newcastle Crown Court in May, Wright pleaded guilty to a number of offences, including two counts of rape and two counts of assault. 

After the trial concluded, Wright was remanded into custody.

And today (Friday), he returned to the same court where he was given an eight-year prison sentence. He will also spend a further four years on extended licence once he is released.

Wright will also spend the rest of his life on the Sex Offenders’ Register and was handed two lifelong restraining orders to protect both victims as well as a lifelong Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

In charge of the case was Police Staff Investigator (PSI) Hayley Anderson, of Northumbria Police’s Rape Investigation Team (RIT).

Speaking after Wright’s sentencing, she said: “James Wright is clearly a dangerous man who has shown with his consistent violent behaviour that he has no regard for the effects this type of abuse can have.

"No-one should ever have to experience what these women have been through, and their bravery in the decision to report these incidents to police means their abuser is now behind bars.

"I hope this sentence has given them both the closure they deserve, and also hope it urges others who may be suffering in silence to reach out and report abuse to us."

She added: “This result is an example of what we can do when we support survivors of sexual offences and hold their abusers to account.

“If you’ve been a victim of sexual abuse, please know that we can help you; report to us today.”

Anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse of any form can contact police by sending a direct message on social media, or by using the ‘Report’ forms or live chat function on the Northumbria Police website.

For those unable to contact police in this way, please call 101.