William Flamson

William Flamson, a 41-year-old man from St Cuthberts Court, Bensham, Gateshead, was jailed for nine years following his conviction for rape at Newcastle Crown Court.

The offence occurred in September 2024 when Flamson raped a woman at an address in Gateshead. The victim-survivor promptly disclosed the assault to a friend, who reported the incident to Northumbria Police. Flamson was arrested shortly afterwards and questioned in connection with the rape. He denied any wrongdoing and was released on bail.

Later charged with one count of rape, Flamson pleaded not guilty. He also faced a charge of theft, to which he likewise pleaded not guilty. Following a three-day trial at Newcastle Crown Court in February 2026, where the victim provided evidence against him, Flamson was found guilty of rape but acquitted of the theft charge.

On 30 March 2026, Flamson appeared for sentencing at the same court. He received a nine-year custodial sentence and will spend the rest of his life on the Sex Offenders Register. Additionally, an indefinite restraining order was imposed to protect the victim.

In a Victim Personal Statement read to the court, the victim described the profound impact of the assault: "My life changed forever on the day I was raped by William Flamson. While I am trying to rebuild my life, it won’t ever be the same. I now consider him to be a horrible dirty beast who has ruined my life." She detailed ongoing nightmares, fear of leaving her home, loss of employment, and the need for excessive showers to feel clean, attributing these to Flamson's actions. She concluded with a direct address: "I hate you for what you have done to me. I hate you for ruining my life."

Detective Constable Steven Raeburn from Northumbria Police's Safeguarding Department commented after the sentencing: "Flamson’s actions were predatory and cruel. This was a woman who was subjected to an appalling and life-changing ordeal. I want to commend her extraordinary courage—not only in coming forward, but in supporting the investigation and seeing the judicial process through to conclusion." The case was handled by Northumbria Police, as reported on their official website.