Child rapist jailed for 17 years

A brave woman who stood up to her abuser has seen him jailed for 17 years.

Robert Tempest repeatedly raped and sexually abused the woman when she was a young girl.

Tempest told the girl to keep the abuse “a secret” and if she told her family about it, they would hate her.

His offending came to light years later when the girl, now a young woman, bravely told a family member who called the police.

An investigation was launched, and the 52-year-old was arrested.

Tempest, of Blackhall Colliery, was later charged with four counts of rape and two counts of sexual assault.

He admitted one charge of rape, but denied the other offences.

He went on trial at Durham Crown Court earlier this year where a jury found him unanimously guilty on all counts.

Tempest was remanded in custody to appear back at Teesside Crown Court on Friday (February 6) where he was jailed for 17 years.

He was also issued with an indefinite restraining order to protect the woman, an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order, and must sign the sex offenders’ register for life.

In a victim impact statement, the woman described how Tempest’s abuse had affected her.

“I don’t have any happy memories from my childhood – I don’t remember much before I was 7. All my memories are filled with the sexual abuse I suffered by Robert Tempest,” she said.

“I was at school when I realised what he had done to me was wrong. I remember learning about sex education and I seemed to know more than my peers.

“He always told me it was a secret and if my family knew, they would hate me. I believed him.

“During the investigation it brought a lot of memories back. After I first told my friend I felt a massive relief, like a huge weight had been lifted from my shoulders.

“My family were so supportive and still are. They don’t hate me – Rob was wrong. They love me and have been there for me even on the darkest days where I questioned if I had the strength to give evidence and bring it all back up again; it was like having to relive my worst nightmare over and over.

“Now, I finally fell like I can start to move forward with my life. I still think about what Rob did to me every single day, it haunts me. I feel like I’m constantly living in a nightmare that I can’t wake up from.

“At least now my family know and I don’t have to lock my feelings inside anymore – I know they will always be there to support me.”

Detective Constable Emma North, who led the investigation, said: “Tempest is a dangerous predator who used a young girl for his own sexual gratification.

“I am pleased he is now behind bars and has been brought to justice for his despicable crimes.

“The young woman in this case has shown incredible bravery in coming forward to police and helping us to bring her abuser to justice.

“By standing up to Tempest and having her voice heard, she has helped to take a dangerous man off the streets.

“I only hope this sentence provides her with some closure and allows her to move on with her life and put the abuse behind her.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing sexual abuse, call Durham Constabulary on 101, or dial 999 in an emergency.

If you’re more comfortable reporting online, you can visit our online reporting page here www.durham.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/v1/rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/

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 sarcdurham.co.uk
• The Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line is available 24/7 and provides support for anyone who has been affected by rape or sexual assault. Call 0808 500 2222 or visit 247sexualabusesupport.org.uk
• 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]orvisit rsacc-thecentre.org.uk  
• NSPCC –call 0808 800 5000, email [email protected], or visit nspcc.org.uk
• Childline – call 0800 1111 or visit childline.org.uk