A JUDGE has branded a man a “dangerous offender” as he sentenced him to more than 12 years in prison for rape.

Thomas Kailofer, of Ash Grove, Spennymoor, pleaded guilty to the offence, which took place in his home town last July while he was on licence.

Judge Edward Bindloss, sitting at Newcastle Crown Court last week, said the 27-year-old posed significant risk to the public and sentenced him to 12 years and ten months in prison. He has been placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life and a restraining order was made in favour of the victim.

Detective Constable Andrea Luck, of Durham Constabulary, said: “This was a particularly violent incident that no-one should ever have to go through.

“The judge recognised the severity of the crime and thankfully he is now serving a lengthy sentence behind bars.”