Rapist jailed after attacking woman as she slept

A rapist has been jailed for nine years after sexually assaulting a woman as she slept.

Andrew Williams, 39, videoed the abuse he caused to the woman who had been taking prescription medication to help her sleep.

Teesside Crown Court heard how Williams had videoed at least seven attacks in one night as officers recovered footage on his mobile phone that he tried to delete.

It left his victim devastated when she discovered he had carried out the attacks without her knowledge.

Williams, of Witton Crescent, in Darlington, denied all the offences in interview but later pleaded guilty to two charges of rape, two charges of sexual assault and one charge of assault by penetration.

He was also made subject to an indefinite restraining order against his victim and will sign the sex offenders' register for life.

Detective Constable Ian Banham said: “These attacks were horrendous and had a devastating impact on William’s victim who should have been safe whilst asleep.

“We have worked extremely hard to bring Williams to justice, and I hope this lengthy jail sentence has brought some closure to the victim.

“No jail sentence can ever undo the suffering that she has endured, but I want to praise her for having the courage and strength to report this to us.”

"If you have been a victim of a sexual offence please contact Durham Constabulary on 101 – we have specially trained officers who will treat you with sensitivity and will do everything they can to bring your perpetrator to justice."