PremierLeague-News.Com - Breaking Sport Transfer News ! A sleeping woman was raped after falling into a deep slumber having taken strong painkillers. Paul Wardle took advantage of his victim's unconsciousness for his own gratification in a shocking attack. When she woke, she was alone but realised someone had had sex with her while she was asleep. Wardle, who the court heard is profoundly deaf, denied rape but was found guilty by a jury after a trial at Newcastle Crown Court. Now the 35-year-old has been jailed for five years and seven months. The court heard the victim has been left traumatised by the ordeal. In an impact statement, she said she replays things over in her head and overthinks what may or may not have happened. She added: "I've pushed people away, been short-tempered and snappy, I've lost friendships. "I've put my life on hold because I didn't want to bring someone into a situation that was unresolved. "During the trial was one of the first times I've acknowledged everything for what it is.

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. During the trial, Anne Richardson, prosecuting, said: "The Crown’s case is that the defendant had sexual intercourse with the complainant, whilst she was asleep [...] having taken prescription drugs. "This intercourse was without her permission and consent, as she was asleep and therefore the defendant must have known that she was not in a position to give such consent." As well as the prison sentence, Wardle, of Skeeby Road, Darlington, must sign the sex offenders register indefinitely and was made subject to an indefinite restraining order. Ben Campbell, defending, said a wide range of people had provided references which "speak well of him" and said he is a "strong role model" to his daughter. Mr Campbell added: "He is profoundly deaf and that disability will significantly effect his ability to cope in the custodial setting." Mr Campbell said Wardle lip reads and the fact everyone is wearing masks in prison due to Covid is making his time inside more difficult. Read More Related Articles Fenham hit-and-run victim's devastated family call for tougher sentences for killer drivers Read More Related Articles Blaydon mum-of-five caused death of 85-year-old by careless driving in health centre car park

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