Dangerous rapist who attacked girl jailed

A judge called Robert Green was a "dangerous" offender

A "dangerous" and violent rapist who attacked a teenage girl has been jailed for 14 years.

Robert Green, 30, had denied offences, including rape, but was found guilty by jurors at Newcastle Crown Court.

The offending came to light after the victim visited a Tyneside hospital and a nurse raised concerns, the court heard.

Green must also serve four years on extended licence upon his release from prison, and must sign the sex offender register for life.

Judge Gavin Doig praised both the nurse for intervening, and the girl for reporting the rape to police.

In a statement read to the court, the victim said she still lived in fear of Green and had developed a distrust of men as a result of his actions.

'Lifelong impact'

Green, who appeared at court via video link from HMP Durham, could be seen violently gesturing, shouting and laughing throughout the sentencing hearing.

Judge Doig described Green, whom the court heard had never had a job, as a "dangerous" offender who posed a "high risk of serious harm" to other people.

Green, of no fixed abode, had 15 convictions for 31 offences on his record, including multiple episodes of serious violence for which he had been previously jailed, the court heard.

Det Con Kayleigh Falcus, of Northumbria Police, said Green was "extremely dangerous" and his actions had had a "lifelong impact on his victim".

The detective also paid tribute to the nurse, adding: "This case demonstrates so very clearly that safeguarding is everyone's business.

"If you've seen something which doesn't sit right, don't ignore it – report it to us."