Abuser who tried to control woman’s life is jailed for 17 years

“I am relieved that finally I have been strong enough to speak out, and I have been believed.”

An abuser who raped and assaulted a woman leaving her feeling “fearful and worthless” has been jailed for 17 years.

Mark Stephenson repeatedly raped the woman over several years when he was heavily under the influence of drink and drugs.

The 36-year-old also tried to control the woman’s life by restricting her access to friends, monitoring her phone and social media use, abused her both physically and verbally, damaged her house, and monitored what she could say to her family.

Stephenson, formerly of Blackhall Colliery, was arrested after the woman bravely told police what had happened.

He was charged with a number of offences, including rape and engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, which he denied.

However, following an eight-day trial, a jury found him guilty of two counts of rape, one of engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, and child neglect.

He also admitted harassment by breaching a restraining order after sending the woman text messages and phone calls, which was in breach of a restraining order that had been previously imposed to prevent him from contacting her.

Stephenson appeared at Durham Crown Court on Monday, August 10, where he was jailed for 17 years and handed a restraining order and Sexual Harm Prevention Order, both for 15 years.

In a victim impact statement which was read out in court, the woman said she was relieved she had spoken out and been believed.

“Speaking out about what has happened to me has been one of the hardest things I have ever had to do,” she said.

“I am now starting the long process of finding myself again, finding who I am, finding what I want for me, and rebuilding my life. Mark has taken everything from me – I will never be the same person because of him. My life has changed forever.

“He made me feel worthless, and made me feel like he was the only person who would ever want me or love me. I felt trapped, that was my life, and there was no other way.

“The violence and sexual violence that I experienced have left emotional scars that I will never be able to repair. I have experienced a life of abuse – I am scared to move on, scared to create a new life, and scared to trust someone new.”

Investigative Officer Rebecca Carey, from Durham Constabulary’s East Safeguarding Team, led the investigation. She said: “First and foremost, I want to commend the woman for having the bravery to come forward and disclose what had been happening to police.

“It takes a great deal of courage to speak out against an abuser. But by standing up to Stephenson and having her voice heard, she has helped to take a dangerous and violent man off the streets, who poses a clear risk to women and girls.

“I hope that she is able to take some form of closure from this outcome and is able to move forward with rebuilding her life.”

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 www.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 www.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] or visit www.rsacc-thecentre.org.uk