David Huntley

Samual Walker, 25, of Grangetown, was sentenced at Teesside Crown Court to a 19-year extended sentence for rape, including 15 years and eight months in custody. The court heard that his offending humiliated and degraded the victim and caused significant psychological harm, leaving her constantly on edge, unable to sleep comfortably and fearful in her own home. Walker was described as a dangerous offender with an entrenched criminal tendency, despite the defence citing remorse and insight. He will remain on the sex offenders’ register for life and is subject to a restraining order.

Mark Pearce and Donald Hammond were convicted of conspiring to kidnap a man in Stockton, where the victim was forced into a van, stripped, beaten, restrained and made to record a ransom video. Pearce was sentenced to four years in prison at Teesside Crown Court, while Hammond had previously received six years. Evidence including CCTV, mobile-phone data and DNA contradicted both men’s denials. Cleveland Police described the operation as a sophisticated plot with national and international elements and appealed for information about other possible participants.