Martin Hume

Martin Hume, a 34-year-old resident of Gloucester Place in Peterlee, County Durham, was convicted at Durham Crown Court of two counts of rape following a trial that concluded on the fourth day in August. The court heard harrowing details of how Hume ignored the victim's explicit pleas to stop during both assaults, proceeding despite her evident pain and distress.

Prosecutor Paul Cleasby outlined the incidents, noting that the victim had made it abundantly clear from the outset that she did not wish to engage in any sexual acts. In one particularly distressing account, when it became obvious Hume would not heed her requests, the woman lay motionless as the attack continued. Hume, who denied both charges throughout the proceedings, was ultimately found guilty by the jury.

The sentencing hearing took place on August 21, with Hume appearing via video link from HMP Durham, where he had been remanded in custody since the verdicts. The victim, supported by a family member, delivered a powerful impact statement directly to Hume, stating, 'You have ruined me,' and describing her ordeal as 'living in hell.' She recounted her fear of encountering Hume in public prior to his conviction, which left her in states of panic, and explained how she had sought counselling for the emotional distress caused by the assaults. In a resolute closing remark, she affirmed, 'No means no.'

Representing Hume, Dan Cordey acknowledged that his client accepted a custodial sentence and highlighted that this was Hume's first experience with imprisonment. Cordey noted Hume's good character prior to the trial and his positive conduct on remand, where the trained welder had earned 'trusted prisoner' status and taken on the role of wing cleaner.

Judge Jo Kidd imposed an eight-year prison sentence, stipulating that Hume must serve two-thirds before eligibility for release on licence. Additionally, an indefinite restraining order was granted, prohibiting any contact with the victim, and Hume was required to register as a sex offender until further order. The case was reported by The Northern Echo, with details sourced from Durham Crown Court proceedings and Durham Constabulary.