A man has been sentenced to prison for raping a woman while she was on a 999 emergency call to the police. Paul Batey, aged 35, ignored the victim’s pleas to stop, which were heard by emergency operators. Police quickly arrived at his residence in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, and intervened during the assault. The victim later described feeling “dirty” and “suicidal” in the aftermath.

Newcastle Crown Court was informed that the victim sought help when Batey initiated the assault. The prosecutor stated that the operator could hear her distress and Batey’s shouting in the background. Law enforcement promptly intervened, stopping the crime in progress.

Upon police arrival, Batey confronted them naked at a window and resisted their entry by swearing at them. Despite his resistance, the officers managed to arrest him, during which he physically assaulted a police constable.

The victim, discovered upstairs by the officers, immediately reported the sexual assault. She recounted meeting Batey for the first time that day, consuming alcohol together, and being invited to his bedroom under false pretenses before the rape occurred.

During the court proceedings, the prosecutor highlighted the significant impact on the victim, emphasizing the lasting emotional trauma she experienced. Batey, who had no prior sexual offense convictions, pleaded guilty to rape and assaulting a police officer. He was sentenced to five years in prison, issued a restraining order, and mandated to register as a sex offender for life.

In his defense, Richard Herrmann acknowledged Batey’s admission of guilt as a mitigating factor, avoiding a trial and sparing the victim further distress.