A RAPIST who carried out a horrifying attack on a young woman walking alone on a path near a cemetery was told he is facing “a substantial” custodial sentence.

The warning was given to Stephen Sanderson after he admitted raping his victim on the footpath between Bishop Auckland Town Cemetery, off South Church Road, and Brack’s Farm, Bishop Auckland.

At a previous hearing magistrates heard the 28-year-old approached the teenager from behind before “brandishing a knife”, taking her phone, handcuffing her and committing the “stranger rape”.

The Northern Echo:

Prosecutor Laura Lax, outlining the case, said Sanderson took off and discarded the cuffs before making off in an opposite direction after the incident shortly after 8pm on Saturday, October 20.

A police appeal followed the incident and Sanderson was arrested five days later.

At a plea hearing at Durham Crown Court on Tuesday, Sanderson pleaded guilty to one count of rape.

But before he is sentenced he will be subject to reports by both a psychiatrist and the Probation Service, with a judge asking for an assessment of his perceived “dangerousness” to be addressed.

The defendant, from Wesley Street, in Coundon Grange, near Bishop Auckland, who is in custody, was produced at court for the short hearing in front of a large gathering in the public gallery. Having confirmed his age and nationality, the charge was put to him.

His barrister, Kitty Colley, said: “I will be seeking a psychiatric report on the defendant. I’ve had a full conference with him, given his mental health background.”

Judge Jonathan Carroll said: “As well as the psychiatric assessment, I want a full pre-sentence report to assess dangerousness, because, on the face of the papers in this case, dangerousness is a consideration.

“I really would also like an updated victim personal statement. The victim really must be offered the opportunity, although I can equally understand that she may not wish to give one, or she may not wish to come to court for the sentencing hearing. But, if she does, she very much can do so, and I’ll ask the staff here that her privacy is protected.”

Addressing Sanderson, Judge Carroll told him: “You have pleaded guilty to this matter and you don’t need me to say it, but a substantial custodial sentence is appropriate.

"Psychiatric and pre-sentence reports will be drawn up and, specifically, the pre-sentence report will address dangerousness, so the sentencing judge can be assisted with that. In the meantime, you will be remanded in custody.”

He will be sentenced on February 15.