A man, Lee McFarling Washington Sex Offender, has been incarcerated for over five years for unlawfully detaining a woman at his residence, subsequently abusing and sexually violating her.
In June 2024, Lee McFarling, 40, welcomed the woman to his residence and subsequently confined her for five days.
Reluctant to release her, he inflicted a succession of physical assaults on the victim, including dousing her with beer to inhibit her from falling asleep.
On the sixth day of her confinement, Lee McFarling sexually raped the victim multiple times.
The frightened victim ultimately succeeded in contacting the police, who promptly arrived at the location and apprehended Lee McFarling.
He was then accused with multiple charges, which he originally refuted, claiming the victim had misinterpreted his actions.
On Tuesday, March 11, Lee McFarling, residing on Dunstanburgh Close in Washington, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty to two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, false imprisonment, two acts of sexual assault, and making threats to kill.
He received a sentence of five years and four months in jail, along with an additional 20 months of supervision upon his release.
He will remain on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life and has been issued a lifelong restraining order to safeguard the victim.
Detective Constable Hayley McIntosh, of the Northumbria Police Safeguarding Department, spearheaded the investigation.
Detective Constable McIntosh stated: “Lee McFarling is a perilous predator, inflicting upon his victim the most egregious physical and sexual abuse conceivable.”
“He poses a threat to society and is now precisely where he ought to be – incarcerated.”
“While nothing can reverse his actions towards her, I hope this sentence offers her some solace in the knowledge that Lee McFarling is now incarcerated and will remain so for an extended period.”
She stated, “I wish to commend the survivor for her courage and poise throughout this investigation and ensuing legal proceedings.”
“It is hoped that she can now proceed to reconstruct her life, aware that she has played a crucial role in guaranteeing that Lee McFarling will be subjected to lifelong police surveillance.”
“No individual should ever have to suffer this form of assault, and assistance is accessible through our officers and the numerous exemplary charities and support services with which we collaborate.”
“If you have ever experienced rape or any form of sexual assault, we are here to support you.”
Individuals seeking to report sexual assault or rape may access the ‘Report’ sections of the Northumbria Police website, send a direct message via social media, or utilise the Live Chat feature on the website.
For individuals unable to reach the police using the aforementioned methods, please dial 101.
In the event of an emergency or an ongoing crime, always dial 999.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.