'Distinguished' social worker raped woman years ago
BBCA "distinguished" social worker has been jailed for nine years for raping a woman more than two decades ago.
Peter Murray, 67, attacked the woman when he was in his early 40s and living in Newcastle, the city's crown court heard.
The woman said Murray had "ruined" her life, while a judge said he used his "positive character" to "facilitate and conceal" the rape.
Murray, latterly of Belfast, denied rape but was found guilty by jurors with a majority verdict of 11 to one.
Recorder David Gordon said Murray was "respected and revered" by his family and had a "distinguished career" in social work while living in north-east England.
'Deep pain and isolation'
The judge said Murray had called multiple witnesses to support him at his trial but their evidence and his were disbelieved by jurors.
Murray had used his "positive character and status" to "facilitate and conceal [his] offending behaviour over many years", the judge said.
In a statement read to the court, the woman said Murray had "ruined the rest of [her life" and she still thought about what he did every day.
The judge said the woman had suffered "significant if not severe psychological harm" having lived with "persistent and distressing memories" for more than 20 years.
She had experienced "deep emotional pain and isolation" as a result of the attack and the impact remained "ongoing".
