A SEX attacker whose trial had to be started twice after a Geordie juror branded him a “mackem rapist” has been jailed for five years.
The juror – believed to be a Newcastle United fan – said he could not give David Blake a fair trial, just 24 hours after Sunderland’s 3-0 derby win last month.
The juror confessed his concerns to court staff, and stood by his bias when brought before Judge Penny Moreland on Monday.
As a result, he was kicked off the panel and the Newcastle Crown Court trial had to be restarted.
As a result, the woman victim faced an anxious wait for her video evidence to be played all over again.
Blake, of North Farm Avenue, Sunderland, was eventually found guilty of raping the woman - who had fallen asleep in a spare bed, alone, after a party at a flat.
Judge Moreland said Blake must now register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.
He continues to deny the rape.
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