Berwick Man Jailed For Rape
A man is today behind bars after raping a woman at an address in Berwick. Steven David Lister, 47, of Horncliffe, Berwick has been sentenced to five and a half years after raping a 24 year-old woman in October last year. Lister raped the woman as she slept on a sofa at his address and after being found guilty by a jury at Newcastle Crown Court, he today begins a five and a half year sentence behind bars. The case was investigated by specialist officers from Northumbria Police's Protecting Vulnerable People department who have welcomed the sentenced passed by the courts. Detective Constable Dave Heginbottom said:
"This man truly deserves to be behind bars for his actions. He has committed a terrible crime on a vulnerable woman. I have to absolutely commend the bravery of the victim and her strength throughout this case has been admirable. We hope today's outcome brings her some sense of justice and she can begin to move on with her life. I hope it also shows what we will do support any victim of rape and gives people the courage and confidence to come forward and report sexual offences to police, a partner agency or someone you trust."