Middlesbrough, England – A rapist in Teesside has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for subjecting a teenage girl to a horrifyingly violent attack in a bedsit. Dwayne Anthony Rhoden, 34, from Union Street, Middlesbrough, was found guilty of multiple offenses including rape, sexual assault, and false imprisonment.
The incident, which took place in Whitby last year, involved Rhoden luring the teenager to the bedsit he was staying in before launching a brutal attack on her. Detective Constable Matthew Edwards, who led the investigation, praised the victim’s courage for coming forward and ensuring that her attacker faced justice.
Rhoden’s victim managed to escape after about an hour and sought help from friends, who then contacted the authorities. Following his arrest, Rhoden was charged with 10 offenses and was later found guilty of nine charges, including five counts of rape and two counts of sexual assault by penetration.
During the trial, Edwards described Rhoden as ‘pathetic’ for his behavior, stating that the victim was forced to relive the traumatic events in court. The judge handed Rhoden a 12-year prison sentence and imposed an extended three-year license period, along with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
The detective commended the victim’s bravery throughout the investigation and court proceedings, emphasizing the importance of holding offenders like Rhoden accountable for their actions. He encouraged victims of sexual abuse to seek support from organizations like the NSPCC Helpline and the Sexual Assault Referral Centre in North Yorkshire.
Overall, the case highlights the importance of speaking out against sexual violence and seeking justice for survivors. Through her resilience and determination, the victim has demonstrated that perpetrators like Rhoden cannot escape responsibility for their crimes.