A rapist who repeatedly sexually and physically attacked a woman has been locked up for 26 years for inflicting a reign of terror on his victim.

Paul McQuade forced himself on the woman on multiple occasions using violence and threats to ensure he was able to satisfy his disturbing sexual behaviour.

The 49-year-old was found guilty of sexually violating the woman after he forced her to give evidence during his trial at Teesside Crown Court.

In a powerful victim impact statement, the court heard how she had "lost herself as a person" as a result of the sexual violence she endured several years ago and still has trouble sleeping.

She said: “I have worked so hard over the years to block out the trauma I endured but all the hard work has been wasted having to relive it all to report him to the police.

“However, I believe it something that needed to be done to safeguard myself and others.”

Paul McQuadePaul McQuade (Image: Cleveland Police)

McQuade, of Brinkburn Road, Stockton, was convicted of repeatedly raping the woman. He was found guilty of four counts of rape, one count of attempted rape and three counts of assault following a trial at Teesside Crown Court.

Judge Howard Crowson, sitting in Leeds Crown Court, sentenced McQuade in his absence after he got up and walked out of the video link booth from prison when his victim started to speak.

“In her victim personal statement, she has revealed the immense impact that had on her and continues to have on her,” he said.

Andrew Turton, mitigating, said his client had told him earlier that he didn’t think he would be able to sit through the sentencing hearing.

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He said: “There is a history of mental health issues with which he has had to contend with.”

Speaking after the hearing, Detective Sergeant Ali from the Domestic Abuse Solutions Team said: “The victim showed tremendous courage and resolve to contact the police and disclose the abuse she had suffered years ago.

“She had to relive the trauma of what happened to her by giving evidence against him but thankfully, the jury saw through McQuade's lies and returned a guilty verdict on all charges.

“I hope the victim and her family can find some comfort knowing McQuade is now in prison and is no longer able to harm anyone else.”