A man who repeatedly raped a woman, held a gun to her head and falsely imprisoned her during a weekend-long ordeal has been given a 14-year prison sentence.
Carlisle Crown Court heard today of the emotional turmoil that Noah Hetherington’s crimes had on his victim, who described going through pure hell as she was held captive at an address over several days.
Hetherington, 22, initially held what appeared to be a real shotgun to the woman’s head and threatened to shoot her if she left him.
He raped her several times, struck her legs with an axe handle, causing bruising and also removed her phone SIM card to prevent ready access.
Hetherington was said to have also smoked cannabis, taken cocaine and drank alcohol during a period of complete control over the woman.
Father-of-two Hetherington — a roofer and joiner — denied multiple rape charges, false imprisonment, actual bodily harm assault and possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence. But he was convicted of these offences by jurors following a trial.
In an impact statement, the woman said: “I feel like, unfortunately, on that weekend when he did that to me I was almost dead and killed; dead and buried. Because I’ve never been the same person since.”
The woman spoke of being in and out of hospital after her ordeal, feeling stressed, losing hair and also being unable to eat and sleep.
On giving evidence at Hetherington’s trial, she described doing that for the future.
“Because he’s a dangerous man and I believe he will kill somebody. So I’m doing this to more prevent him from doing it again, not for me,” she said.
“He needs to be stopped. And that’s the only reason I’m trying to be strong and get through it — for other people; for other girls.
“I’ve been traumatised and I’ll live with the trauma every single day.”
Her father, in a statement, described the marked changes in relationship between the pair since her ordeal at Hetherington’s hands.
“Ever since, our family life has changed completely,” he said.
The court heard Hetherington, previously of Maryport Road, Dearham, had previous convictions for offensive weapon possession — after taking a sharpened stick into school — along with battery, damage, drug and driving crimes.
He was said to have made positive progress while remanded in custody, providing negative drug and alcohol tests.
A defence barrister spoke of his immaturity and said there had latterly been concern about his mental health.
Imposing the jail term, Judge Nicholas Barker told Hetherington: “It is clear to me that, despite your age, you have entrenched criminal tendencies, which you have not addressed when you have had the opportunity to do so.”
Hetherington will serve two-thirds of the jail term before being considered for release.
He must sign the sex offender register, indefinitely, and comply with the conditions of a sexual harm prevention order.
Detective constable Aly Douglas, who oversaw the case, added: “The woman in this case went through a horrific ordeal. Hetherington subjected her to abuse and threats that are hard to imagine.
“We welcome this dangerous man being imprisoned and put in custody away from the community in West Cumbria.
“I’d also like to pay tribute to the courage of the woman in this case, for giving evidence and ensuring this man can be put behind bars.
“If you are a victim of sexual offences, please don’t suffer in silence; tell someone and report this to police so that we can investigate.
“Support is also available and is tailored to an individual’s circumstances; we work closely with trusted partner agencies.”
