Gateshead rapist told sobbing victim "you look beautiful when you cry"
A rapist who told his sobbing victim "you look beautiful when you cry" during a shocking attack has been jailed for more than a decade.
John Quinn, 30, targeted the woman while she was injured after an accident and she ended up in tears due to the pain it caused her.
Quinn, of Barford Court, Gateshead, was convicted of rape and sexual assault after a trial at Newcastle Crown Court.
Judge Amanda Rippon jailed him for ten-and-a-half years and told him: "She began to cry as she was in so much pain but you didn't stop. Instead, you said she was beautiful when she cried."
In an impact statement the victim said: "He's ripped everything away from me.
"I am always fearful of driving to see my family or walking anywhere close by – and feel as though I am constantly looking over my shoulder, fearing for my safety and for my life.
"I wish I could lock myself away and never have to leave my home again, it is the only place I feel safe.
"Quinn has stripped away all of my confidence and has destroyed every inch of me. I used to be such a bubbly, outgoing person and I am not like that anymore. I am very quiet and constantly live my life in fear."
She continued: "I feel I have been given a life sentence.
"I live with the trauma he has given me every day and know this will stay with me for the rest of my life. I jump at every closing car door; I can't answer my own front door without being fearful; and I become fearful when I receive calls from unknown numbers.
"I am constantly on guard just waiting for the worst to happen. I am not living, I am surviving. He has destroyed my past, present and future. He has destroyed my identity.
"He has destroyed me."
Quinn will also spend the rest of his life on the Sex Offenders' Register and was handed lifelong Sexual Harm Prevention and restraining orders to protect the victim.
In charge of the case was Police Constable Graham Mason, of Northumbria Police's Rape Investigation Team (RIT).
Speaking after Quinn's sentencing, he said: "John Quinn is an extremely dangerous man who has committed some of the most horrendous crimes someone can go through.
"I'd like to thank the victim for her bravery and conviction throughout this entire process, and I hope after the sentencing today she may be able to start to move forward and re-build her life.
"No-one should ever have to experience this type of abuse – but her resolve and determination to bring her offender to justice should truly be commended."
PC Mason added: "There is so much support available to anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse – and we're here to guide you through the process every step of the way.
"If you've been a victim of sexual abuse, please know that we can help you; report to us today."
Quinn, who already had a criminal record, was also convicted of perverting the course of justice and other offences and was in breach of a suspended sentence at the time.
Christopher Knox, defending, handed in multiple refences as well as documents in relation to his hard work in prison while on remand.
The court heard Quinn has mental health problems including PTSD after he was the victim of a stabbing.