South Shields rapist jailed after attacking woman who fell asleep on his sofa
A South Shields man has been jailed for more than five years after admitting he raped a woman who had fallen asleep at his flat following a gathering.
Michael Burns, 56, was sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court to five years and nine months in prison. He will remain on the sex offenders register for life and is also subject to a restraining order designed to protect his victim.
Victim fell asleep on his sofa
The court heard that Burns and the woman had been at the same gathering before they left together to go to his flat in South Shields to pick up some tobacco. She did not know him well, but believed he seemed “ok” and had no concerns about going with him.
Once inside the flat, Burns offered her a sealed can of Coke, which she accepted. She sat down on one of the sofas, which had a blanket on it, and at some point drifted off to sleep.
She later woke to find Burns raping her. In shock and distress, she shoved him off and managed to get out of the flat, leaving the property and reporting what had happened.
DNA evidence and changing account
Burns was later questioned by police. After his DNA was found on the woman’s underwear, he initially tried to distance himself from responsibility, claiming that she “must have done something to him”.
As the investigation progressed and the evidence against him mounted, Burns went on to plead guilty to rape. The court was told that the victim has been left deeply affected by the attack and the breach of trust involved.
Judge: ‘One of the most horrific offences’
Sentencing Burns, Judge Stephen Earl described rape as a “horrific offence” with consequences that extend far beyond the physical act itself. He said the impact on victims can be long‑lasting and life‑changing.
The judge told Burns that he had committed “one of the most horrific offences you can commit against a woman” and that a significant custodial sentence was inevitable given the seriousness of the crime and the circumstances in which it occurred.
Long criminal record and claimed remorse
The court heard that Burns has a lengthy criminal history, with 44 previous offences on his record. These include a conviction for causing death by dangerous driving dating back to 1994.
Claire Anderson, defending, said Burns is an alcoholic who also lives with mental and physical health problems. She told the court that he plans to relocate to a different area after his release from prison in an attempt to make a fresh start.
In a letter addressed to the judge, Burns said he was “really, really sorry” for what he had done and that he wanted to “sincerely apologise” to the woman he attacked. The court heard that he accepts responsibility for the offence.
Sentence and ongoing restrictions
As well as the prison term of five years and nine months, Burns was ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life. He is also subject to a restraining order preventing him from contacting the victim.
The sentence reflects both the gravity of the offence and the need to protect the public, the judge said, adding that the law recognises rape as one of the most serious crimes in the criminal calendar.