A man who tried to ply a teenage girl with drink before pinning her down and raping her is starting a lengthy spell behind bars.

Mark Fairman targeted his victim during a gathering over Christmas 2018, in the early hours of December 27.

The 24-year-old remained at the address after and attempted to ply his teenage victim with alcohol over several hours.

The pair had been sitting on a sofa together when Fairman pinned her down and raped her.

His terrified victim was left so traumatised she didn’t feel she could tell anyone what happened. It was only when she confided in family and friends three months later that police were able to arrest Fairman, of Rowanberry Road in Longbenton, North Tyneside, for rape.

He was later charged but denied the charges against him but was found guilty after a trial at Newcastle Crown Court earlier this year.

On Friday (April 19) he was sentenced to 12 years behind bars for his despicable actions.

The Northern Echo: Mark Fairman is starting a 12-year spell behind bars.Mark Fairman is starting a 12-year spell behind bars. (Image: NORTHUMBRIA POLICE)

He will also be made to sign the sex offenders register for life and has given a restraining order to stop him from contacting his victim.

Detectives have since praised the bravery of his victim as they branded Fairman’s actions “cold and premeditated”.

DS Barbara Callaghan who led the investigation said: “Fairman preyed on a teenager in a cold and premeditated way, subjecting her to the worst ordeal imaginable. He’s shown no remorse for his crimes and is undoubtedly a danger to our wider communities.

“I absolutely welcome this sentence and hope it provides his brave victim with some comfort and a sense of justice.

“I’d also like to take this opportunity to praise her for her bravery. I know it’s never easy to come forward, but her courage and composure during the investigation means a predatory man has been outed for what he is – a rapist.”

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“I hope this sentence serves as a stark warning to those despicable people among us who believe they can get away with crimes such as these; you can’t, and you won’t.

“No one should ever have to endure this type of assault and support is available from our officers and the many fantastic charities we work closely with.

“Regardless of who you are, if you have ever been a victim of rape or any type of sexual assault, we’re here for you.”