Reece Wood

Reece Wood, a 30-year-old man from Galt Street, Thornley, in County Durham, was found guilty of rape after a retrial at Durham Crown Court concluded on Monday, February 9. The offence, which involved the rape of a woman, was alleged to have occurred in County Durham in 2022.

The case had initially gone to trial in October 2024, but the jury was unable to reach a verdict and was subsequently discharged. Wood had denied the charge during a plea hearing in April 2024. Following the inconclusive first trial, the Crown Prosecution Service confirmed it would seek a retrial, which commenced on February 2 this year and lasted six days.

During the retrial, presided over by Judge Richard Bennett, the jury deliberated and returned a guilty verdict on the sixth day of proceedings. The judge adjourned the sentencing hearing for five weeks to allow the preparation of a background report by the Probation Service. Wood, who had been on bail prior to the retrial, was remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear for sentencing at Teesside Crown Court on Monday, March 16, where Judge Bennett will be sitting.

The conviction stems from events in 2022, with the prosecution presenting evidence that led to the jury's decision after the extended hearing. This case highlights the persistence of the judicial process in rape allegations, as reported by The Northern Echo's crime and court reporter, Bruce Unwin.