A RAPIST who preyed on a transgender man and a drunk teenager in their own homes has been jailed for 15 years.

Shelton Dube, 24, of Dorking Avenue, North Shields, North Tyneside, first targeted a young woman who had been out with friends in Newcastle city centre by latching on to her group.

Described by the defence as a talented sportsman and academically gifted, Dube encouraged her to drink from a bottle of vodka, took a taxi home with her and then came unannounced into her home.

She woke in her bed to find the defendant raping her in January 2016, Durham Crown Court heard.

Three months later Dube raped Scott Wilson, then 19, at the Tyneside Foyer where they both lived.

The victim, who has waived his right to anonymity, said prior to the rape he had explained to Dube how he was transgender, identified as a man and was attracted to women.

That did not stop Dube making advances then raping him in Mr Wilson’s room at the hostel.

Both victims were praised by Judge Christopher Prince for making “highly articulate” statements to the court.

The woman, who cannot be identified, said: “I don’t know how long it will take me to fully trust others and be in a relationship that is not under strain from what Shelton Dube did to me.”

Mr Wilson said he was undergoing hormone treatment with a view to have surgery to change gender.

He said in his statement: “During the rape ordeal I felt helpless and numb, I didn’t know what to do.”

Robin Turton, prosecuting, said the defendant - who worked handing out flyers for Newcastle bars - was convicted after a trial in January, having claimed both events were consensual.

Glenn Gatland, defending, provided references which said Dube was a talented athlete, gifted academically and a church-goer.

He said: “All of this has been lost through his behaviour. He only has himself to blame for the position he is in.”

Judge Prince said both victims had been accused of lying during the trial.

“They were not liars, they told the truth,” he said. “It is you who is the liar.”

He jailed Dube for ten years for the rape on the woman in her own home and a further five for raping Mr Wilson.