A woman who was raped as a young child by a convicted murderer discovered his past as he was being jailed for 27 years for crimes against her.
William Dawson, who was known as 'Billy the Bump' due to a bump on his forehead, subjected the victim to horrific sex attacks in the 1990s. The 72-year-old was living in County Durham at the time and lured the youngster into his home by pretending he was her uncle.
Newcastle Crown Court heard how Dawson made her do ballet pirouettes naked then moved on to carrying out sex attacks. He would reward her with spoonfuls of jam and 20 pence pieces.
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The double amputee, who branded his victim a liar and denied any wrongdoing, was put behind bars on Monday after jurors found him guilty of offences including rape and indecent assault.
The woman discovered, during the sentencing hearing, that he had previously been jailed for life for murder. The court in Newcastle heard how he had killed a woman in Australia in 1971 by choking her with a pair of stockings.
He was released from the life sentence in 1976, arrived back in the UK later that year and was "free to go about his business and not required to serve any further period of imprisonment in the UK".
Referring to the murder case, Alistair MacDonald KC, prosecuting, said: "He had been keeping company with the deceased for six months before. Shortly before Easter he left the area and when he returned on April 8 1971, the complainant informed him she didn't wish to keep company with him any longer.
"They argued and he, in a rage, tied a stocking around her neck and strangled her. He reported to the police that he found her dead but later admitted being responsible for her death."
The victim, who lives in County Durham, was sitting in the public gallery when she discovered he had a previous conviction for murder.
She said: "I cried when I heard that he had killed a woman. I started crying my eyes out in the public gallery. I think it's horrible that he did that to someone.
"It just proves how much of an aggressive, horrible man he is. He came across so aggressive with me and I was frightened of him. He used to shout and get cross with me. I understand why I was so scared of him.
"It was awful what he did to me but, when I think about it, it could have been worse - as frightening as that is. It could have been so much worse."
The woman said she had previously tried to report her abuse to police but no action was taken until more recently. She said the sexual abuse had caused her to have flashbacks and it had driven her to the brink of suicide.
She said: "It's one of these things that doesn't go away. I feel like, for my whole life, I have woke up with a pretend smile all of the time."
The woman gave evidence during the trial and in September last year Dawson, of Cotswold Gardens, Gateshead, was found guilty of two counts of rape, four counts of indecent assault and indecency.
Paul Cross, defending, told the court: "The murder was 52 years ago and his last conviction was 21 years ago. Due to his disability, any sentence will be more difficult for him than an able-bodied person."
The victim watched as Judge Christopher Prince sentenced Dawson, to 27 years behind bars. He was told he must serve at least two-thirds of the 27-year sentence before he has any hope of parole.
Judge Prince told the defendant: "Throughout the trial you accused her of lying about it. You, Mr Dawson, are the liar, she has told the truth."
The victim said: "I don't think I've cried with relief so much in my life. It was just amazing to finally be believed.
"I actually slept last night for the first time in god knows how long. I slept properly and it was nice. I have lived in fear for years. I feel like I can actually move on with my life."
The woman hopes to encourage others who have been through a similar experience to report offences to the police. She said: "I understand why a lot of people don't come forward if they have had it drilled into their head that they're not going to be believed.
"But it's a horrific thing to live with, you should always try. At least you have tried everything in your power to be heard and, if you are heard, it's a huge relief. I think every woman or man who's been raped deserves that closure. Everyone deserves to be believed."
Detective Constable Norman Foster led the case for Durham Constabulary. He said: "I first met the victim three-and-a-half years ago, who disclosed to me the most horrific crimes carried out against her by Dawson from when she was very young.
"The detrimental impact on the psychological and emotional development of this child into adulthood goes without saying as she has had to recount the ordeal, not just to officers but also in court.
"She has shown immense fortitude and determination throughout the case, and through her commitment and courage, has enabled us to secure a successful prosecution.
"Dawson committed these horrendous offences against a vulnerable child and is expected to spend the remainder of his life in prison.
"Although the emotional scars will never vanish, hopefully this chapter of the victim’s life can now come to a close and she can look forward to a brighter future."
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