Sunderland man sentenced for rape and false imprisonment of teenage girl

A Sunderland man, who raped a vulnerable 16-year-old girl before trapping her in his room at a guest house overnight, has been sentenced today at Newcastle Crown Court.

Lee Metcalf (38) of Tynedale Crescent, Penshaw was sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment, with a further four on extended license, after being found guilty during an earlier trial of one charge of rape and one of false imprisonment.

The charges relate to an attack carried out by Metcalf in December of 2020, after inviting the girl to his room to drink alcohol and watch television. When the girl tried to go home, he raped her and prevented her from leaving. She remained trapped in the room until the following morning, when she managed to escape after cleaning staff knocked at the door.

Charlotte Dennison of CPS North East said: “The victim in this case told police how she had initially been watching television and joking with Metcalf. However, when she said she had to leave at around midnight, Metcalf suddenly grew angry and physically forced himself upon her.

“Despite the girl telling him that she did not want sex, he continued, refusing to let her leave the room and making threats to hurt her. At one stage, he threw her shoes from the window of his room to prevent her escape.

“The following day his victim provided an account of her ordeal to police and the Crown Prosecution Service has worked closely with them to build a robust case against Metcalf.

“This was a terrifying ordeal for the young girl involved and we sincerely hope that the sentencing of her attacker today provides some measure of comfort.”