Repeat rapist jailed for a total of 15 years
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A man has been jailed for 15 years for a string of sexual offences following investigations carried out by two police forces.
Stephen Plant was found guilty of three counts of rape and two counts of sexual assault on a woman earlier this year following an investigation by Northumbria Police.
The 24-year-old raped and sexual assaulted her several times, including at his house. She disclosed what had happened and reported it to the police.
A separate investigation by Durham Constabulary found that when Plant was 16, he met up with a girl in public places several times, gave her with alcohol before having her carry out sexual acts on him.
This resulted in him also admitting four counts of sexual activity with a girl aged 13 to 15.
At Newcastle Crown Court last week he was sentenced to a total of 15 years for all the offences.
Detective Constable Amy Burridge, from the Rape Investigation Team (RIT) at Northumbria Police said: “Stephen Plant is an extremely dangerous man who has committed some of the most horrendous crimes time against multiple victims’ time and time again.
“I’d like to thank them for their bravery and conviction throughout this entire process, and I hope following sentencing, they may be able to seek some closure and look forward with their lives.
“There is so much support available to anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse – and the police are here to guide you through the process every step of the way.”
Detective Constable Hanna Liddle, of Durham Constabulary, added: “I would also like to commend the bravery in coming forward and standing up to Plant.
“This outcome should hopefully show that survivors of sexual offences can be confident that they will be treated seriously and sensitively by our officers if they come forward to report what happened to them.”
Anyone who is suffering sexual abuse should come forward and report it to police – call 101, or 999 in an emergency.
If you’re more comfortable reporting online, you can visit our online reporting page.
If you’re not ready to speak to police, there are other agencies who can help:
- The Meadows Sexual Assault Referral Centre provides free, confidential healthcare and compassionate support to people who have experienced rape or sexual assault. Call 0330 223 0099 or visit The Meadows – SARC
- The Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line is available 24/7and provides support for anyone who has been affected by rape or sexual assault. Call 0808 500 2222 or visit 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line
- The Rape and Sexual Abuse Counselling Centre (RSACC) offers free, specialist support to anyone who has experienced any form of sexual violence at any time in their lives. Call 01325 354119, email [email protected]