A brave survivor of sexual assaults and her grateful family have thanked police as her abuser received a lengthy jail sentence.
Brett Wight, 47, subjected the woman to multiple rapes causing her lasting physical injuries.
The stoic victim, though, had the fortitude to come forward to disclose the offences to police.
An investigation was immediately launched by the Northumbria force and last year the defendant was charged with multiple sexual offences.
Wight, of Throckley, Newcastle, went on trial at the city’s crown court late last year where he was convicted by a jury of four counts of rape, following the two-week hearing.
Wight will also be subject to registration as a sex offender and prohibitions under the terms of a restraining order, both for life.
She said: “I cannot emphasise how much of an impact the brilliance of Northumbria Police has had on my family.
“I can say with all honesty we would not have had this result had it not been for your amazing police force.
“Particularly those officers who have been by our side and supported us since the start.”
She singled out Detective Constable Leo Douglas and Police Constable Kris Wightman, who she described as, “the absolute guardian angels” of her sister.
“The care, attention, support, professionalism, shown is astonishing.
“I cannot emphasise enough how important it is that those officers on my sister’s case are recognised for their brilliance.
“I don’t think there is an award big enough for them.
“If I could scream this from the rooftops for the whole world to hear, believe me, I would!”
She said the force ought to be seen as, “amazing”, and should be, “celebrated and recognised for their brilliance.”
The grateful sibling added: “I will spend the rest of my life spreading positivity about Northumbria Police and how wonderful they are.
“I know my sister feels exactly the same.”
The officer leading the case, DC Douglas, responded by saying: “First and foremost, I would like to thank the survivor for the incredible strength she has shown which has ultimately made it possible to bring her abuser to justice.
“No-one should ever have to experience what she went through at the hands of Wight, but without bravery in reporting what had happened, he would not be behind bars today and his offending may never even have come to light.
“Her strength and bravery is something she should be incredibly proud of, and I want to personally thank her for her tenacity, and her continued co-operation throughout our investigation.”
He added: “Wight is a dangerous individual and deserves to be behind bars for a significant length of time.
“As a force, protecting and supporting vulnerable victims is our top priority and we will continue to work incredibly hard to put offenders before the courts and ensure that no-one gets away with this type of criminality.”
He urged any victim to take the first step and come forward, stressing they will be listened to and supported, “in whatever way we can.”
See more court stories from The Northern Echo by clicking here
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Any victim of rape, sexual assault, or any form of sexual abuse, whether recent or non-recent, is asked to contact police by using the ‘Report’ pages, or the Live Chat function, on the Northumbria force website, or by sending a direct message on social media.
For those unable to contact police this way, they should call 101, but always 999 in an emergency.
Further information about rape or sexual assault, and reporting such crimes, can be found by searching Northumbria Police online.
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