‘Horrible dirty beast’ rapes woman who had to scrub her skin raw after attack

A "horrible dirty beast" has been jailed for nine years after raping a woman who said she had to scrub her skin raw after the attack. William Flamson, now aged 41, denied the charges but was found guilty of rape after a three-day trial at Newcastle Crown Court in February 2026.

Flamson of St Cuthberts Court, Bensham, Gateshead, raped the woman at an address in Gateshead in September 2024. The survivor disclosed what had happened to a friend, who then quickly reported it to the police. In a victim personal statement read to the court, she said: “My life changed forever on the day I was raped by William Flamson."

Despite having lived a "brilliant" life before the attack, the victim said she was unable to feel joy from the things she once loved.

She told the court: “While I am trying to rebuild my life, it won’t ever be the same. I now consider him to be a horrible dirty beast who has ruined my life.

“Until this happened to me, I would’ve described my life as brilliant. Through the actions of Flamson, I am no longer able to do the things I used to enjoy.

“Since he raped me, I have been unable to sleep. If I did manage to sleep, I would regularly have nightmares seeing his face and relive what he did to me."

Flamson's actions left her so terrified of leaving the house alone that she had to leave her job through no fault of her own.

She continued: “I have been petrified to leave my house alone, fearing I would see him outside. I used to take several showers a day and scrub myself clean as I felt disgusting and dirty. I would scrub until my skin was raw.

“As I was fearful of leaving the house, I also had to leave my job. I had to leave through no fault of my own and due to the actions of Flamson. My partner has been very supportive and is helping me rebuild my life.

“I have thought about what I would like to say to Flamson today. The only words I have are that I hate you. I hate you for what you have done to me. I hate you for ruining my life. I hate you for making me feel disgusting and dirty.

“With the love and support of my family, I will now rebuild my life, although it will never be the same.”

Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Constable Steven Raeburn from Northumbria Police's safeguarding department said Flamson’s actions were "predatory and cruel".

He said: "This was a woman who was subjected to an appalling and life‑changing ordeal. I want to commend her extraordinary courage — not only in coming forward, but in supporting the investigation and seeing the judicial process through to conclusion.

“No sentence can undo the trauma she has endured, but I hope today’s outcome provides some measure of reassurance that he has been held fully accountable for what he did.

“We remain absolutely committed to pursuing offenders like Flamson and ensuring victims receive the support, respect and protection they deserve.

“I would urge anyone who has experienced sexual violence to come forward and speak to us. You will be listened to, you will be believed, and we will do everything we can to help you.”

Flamson was arrested shortly after the attack and questioned in connection with the offence, but denied any wrongdoing and was released on bail.

He was later charged with one count of rape, which he denied in court. He was sentenced to nine years behind bars on March 30 after being found guilty by a jury.

Flamson will also spend the rest of his life on the Sex Offenders Register and was given an indefinite restraining order. He was also charged with one count of theft which he pleaded not guilty to and was later acquitted at trial.

If you have been affected by any themes in this story, you can call Rape Crisis for free 24-hours a day on 0808 500 2222.