Woman speaks out after her attacker is jailed

A young woman who stood up to a man who sexually assaulted her hopes he will understand some of the pain she has suffered now he is behind bars.

Care worker Eghe Egbon disregarded her repeated attempts to refuse his sexual advances and took advantage of her at his home in December 2023.

He waited until the woman, who was 19 at the time, was lying on his sofa incapacitated through intoxication before trying again, knowing that it was impossible for her to consent.

The 54-year-old, of Coundon, was found guilty of sexual assault by penetration following a trial at Durham Crown Court in April.

Earlier this month, he was sentenced to five years in prison, required to sign the sex offenders register indefinitely and handed a ten-year restraining order.

In a statement to the court, the woman said she had been forced to quit her job due to the severe impact the assault had on her life.

She said she had been left relying on family and friends for help and support and still relives the ‘torture’ every single day.

In her impact statement, the woman said: “I hope he feels even a tiny bit of how I did and still do to this day, even two and a half years on.

“I hope he has listened to everything I have said, the torture I have been through since he did this to me, while he got on with his life.

“He has been able to go and do whatever he wants, whenever he has wanted to. I have not. He has had a life, I have not. And every time I have tried to get my life back on track, something happens and I can't.

“He is the one in the wrong, but I feel like I am the one who has been punished for it.”

She added: “I hope while he’s behind bars, he feels as isolated as I have since it happened. The only difference is that he is there through a decision he made himself.

“I will always be grateful to DC Lauren Howe, of Durham Constabulary and my Independent Sexual Violence Adviser for supporting me endlessly throughout the investigation.”

DC Howe said: “Egbon lied throughout the investigation but thankfully a jury saw though him and his ego.

“I would like to commend the woman for her incredible bravery following this assault. She has shown great fortitude throughout the criminal justice process in being prepared to stand up and give evidence against her attacker.

“I hope this result brings her the closure she deserves and allows her to move forward with her life.”