A MAN considered a “significant risk” to the public is starting a sentence of up to 18 years behind bars for the rape of a teenage girl and a life-threatening stabbing.

Jamie Ian Marshall, who committed the rape while on bail following the stabbing incident, was convicted of both crimes following separate trials at Durham and Newcastle crown courts earlier this year.

The 42-year-old defendant, of Edward Street, Bishop Auckland, denied the attempted murder of a man staying at his uncle’s house, on March 27, 2020, and was cleared by the jury at Newcastle Crown Court, in January.

But he was found guilty of the alternative offence of wounding the man, with intent to cause him grievous bodily harm, on a majority verdict.

Remanded in custody, he then went on trial at Durham Crown Court last month on the rape allegation, committed in November last year, claiming he was not responsible and was the victim of mistaken identity.

But he was found guilty and remanded again, to await sentence for both offences.

An impact statement read to the court outlined the effect on the girl, who suffers sleepless nights and flashbacks, and may need specialist support in future.

Marshall appeared for sentence at Newcastle Crown Court today (Monday June 20) when the court was told of his history of knife-related crime, culminating in him receiving a seven-year sentence for the joint slash attack on another inmate using an improvised bladed article, while a serving prisoner at what was then known as HMP Acklington, now HMP Northumberland, in March, 2012.

The court heard in the most recent stabbing, while under the influence of drink and drugs, Marshall thrust a butterfly knife into the neck of his victim, who was possibly only saved by the swift attention of emergency workers at the scene who managed to stem the blood loss as he drifted out of consciousness.

He underwent surgery for a 10cm-deep wound and was on a ventilator in a high-dependency hospital unit for a day, while he to be fed by tube for four days.

When arrested and interviewed, Marshall denied responsibility and ran a self-defence alibi.

Read more: Man accused of attempted murder will stand trial in January

Jonathan Walker, in mitigation, made written submissions to Judge Paul Sloan prior to the hearing, on the defendant’s behalf, but told the hearing, relating to the rape conviction, that Marshall has, “no history of predatory sex offending.”

Judge Sloan said on his release on licence from the sentence for the 2012 prison slashing, Marshall found employment and, “seemed to be making some progress”, going offence-free for three years, until the stabbing in March 2020, after which he said, “I have no doubt you disposed of the knife, which was never recovered.”

The judge told Marshall: “Taking into account your history of carrying knives and the pattern of your offending, I have no doubt, whatsoever, that you pose a significant risk to members of the public of causing serious harm by the commission of further specified offences.”

He said he was, therefore, passing an extended determinate sentence, "to provide sufficient protection for the public.”

It means Marshall must serve at least two-thirds of the 18-year sentence before he can be considered for release on licence but may have to serve the full term behind bars.

Upon release he will then be subject to extended licence period for five years.

He was also made subject of lifetime restrictions under the terms of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and must also register as a sex offender for life.

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