James Daniel Wilkinson, a 27-year-old man from Gateshead, has been sentenced to over 11 years in prison for raping two young women in his flat. The attacks occurred in May 2021, following meetings arranged through social media.
On 9 May 2021, Wilkinson met his first victim, a 20-year-old woman, for the first time. After visiting a shop together, he brought her back to his flat in the Wideopen area without her prior expectation. Feeling concerned, the woman shared her location and messaged family members. Wilkinson then encouraged her to enter his bedroom to watch television, where he proceeded to rape her. The victim left the address shortly after and reported the incident to police.
Just two weeks later, on 24 May 2021, a similar incident unfolded with a second victim, an 18-year-old woman. Wilkinson had arranged a date with her after exchanging messages online. Upon her arrival at his flat, he insisted they watch TV before going out for food as planned. Instead, he raped her twice. Terrified, she also left soon after and reported the assault to authorities.
Wilkinson, residing on Dunston Road in Gateshead, was arrested and charged with three counts of rape. He denied the allegations, claiming the encounters were consensual and boasting about meeting women through social media. The case proceeded to trial at Newcastle Crown Court, where he was found guilty on all three offences due to compelling evidence, including the similar circumstances of the reports from unrelated victims just weeks apart.
Sentencing took place at Durham Crown Court on 3 June 2024. The judge imposed a custodial sentence of 11 years and six months. Additionally, Wilkinson received a restraining order prohibiting contact with both victims and was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely.
Detective Constable Donya Durward of Northumbria Police, who led the investigation, highlighted the bravery of the survivors: 'It is thanks to their courage in reporting what happened to police that a dangerous offender like Wilkinson is now behind bars and will be unable to harm anyone else.' She noted that Wilkinson had preyed on the unsuspecting young women, luring them to his home under false pretences. The strong evidence against him, including the parallel nature of the assaults, proved decisive in securing the conviction.
This case, reported by The Northern Echo, underscores the dangers of online interactions and the importance of clear consent in personal encounters.