Rapist who committed sexual assaults “under the influence of cocaine” sentenced to nine years in prison

A man found guilty of rape and sexual assault has been jailed.

Michael Mather, 33, was found guilty of sexual offences by a jury at Teesside Crown Court on Wednesday. The court heard the victim was suicidal following Mather’s attack.

In a statement read out to the court, she said: “This is why I feel like giving up. I am physically exhausted. If it hadn’t been for my partner and my sister, I wouldn’t be here. I literally wouldn’t be here.”

Mather, of Kingsbury Mews in Darlington, was found guilty of rape, harassment and four counts of sexual assault. He pleaded guilty to two counts of breaching a restraining order.

The jury heard that Mather was under the influence of cocaine at the time of the attack. Judge Chris Smith sentenced Mather to nine years and six months in prison.