Rapist Shaun Graham jailed

A man who strangled a woman before raping her has been jailed as his victim-survivor has described how her life ‘changed forever’ following the assault.

Forty-year-old Shaun Graham subjected the woman to a prolonged assault, where he held her down, strangled her, sexually assaulted her and then went on to rape her – whilst she repeatedly told him ‘no’.

The abuse occurred at an address in South Tyneside which the victim-survivor was able to escape from before swiftly telling a friend what had happened.

Soon after, police were informed and Graham was arrested and questioned.

In interview, Graham claimed everything that happened was consensual and denied any wrongdoing.

However, following a complex investigation by the Force’s Safeguarding Department, in January 2025, Graham was charged in connection with the abuse.

On Wednesday, September 30, Graham, of Stafford Close, South Tyneside, was found guilty of rape, sexual assault, and non-fatal strangulation at Newcastle Crown Court.

He returned to the same court on Friday (October 2), where he was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

As part of his sentence, he will spend the rest of his life on the Sex Offenders’ Register.

The victim-survivor in the case provided a Victim Personal Statement (VPS) to describe the lasting effects of Graham’s offending.

She said: “During what happened to me that night, there were moments when I genuinely believed I might not make it out alive. I cannot properly put into words what it feels like to believe that you might die. In those moments, all I could think about were my family and the possibility that I might never see them again.

“I was violated in the most inhumane way, and that carries a shame that I struggle to put into words. My body did not feel like my own that night, and even now, during flashbacks and nightmares, I feel disconnected from my own body.

“There are still moments when I feel that same shame, even though I know that what happened was not something I chose.

“Before this happened, I generally saw the good in people and felt confident in my own judgement. Since then, I have become far more guarded and suspicious of others.

“I question situations and people in a way I never used to, and I no longer have the same confidence in my ability to judge who is safe.”

Directly addressing Graham, she continued: “You did not hurt me for just one night. I have lived with the consequences every day since. The consequences of your actions have lasted for years already.

“You have taken my sparkle away from me. I am still here, and I am trying to find those parts of myself again. I hope that one day I will feel safe, trusting and completely myself again, but I do not know how long that will take, if at all.

“What I do know is that what you did to me has changed the course of my life without my consent, just as my choice was taken from me that night.

“I should never have had to rebuild myself. I survived what you have done to me. Now I must live with what you have left behind.”

Leading the investigation was Detective Constable Kerry Kane, of Northumbria Police.

On Friday, she said: “Shaun Graham subjected this woman to a vile assault which, in her own words, has completely changed her life.

“My first thoughts always are with her – she has shown such courage from that initial report to police all the way through to the sentencing hearing today.

“Hopefully the knowledge that Graham is going to spend a substantial stint behind bars can allow her to move forward with her life.”

Det Con Kane added: “This case is a stark reminder to those who do not understand that no means no – lack of consent means you are a rapist.

“Day-in-day out we put these people before the courts and bring them to justice – all on our mission to protecting the vulnerable people in our communities.”

Anyone who has experienced any form of sexual abuse, whether recent or non-recent, should contact police using the ‘Report’ pages on the Northumbria Police website, or send the Force a direct message on social media. 

Anyone unable to report this way should call 101. In an emergency, or if a crime is ongoing, always call 999. 

To report a crime anonymously, contact independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or by visiting their website.