Two victims who raised the courage to speak out about their abuser have seen him handed a life sentence after his conviction at court.

Peter Anderson’s offending initially came to light when a teenage victim spoke out about her ordeal to a school guidance counsellor.

Having revealed the abuse suffered at the hands of the now 30-year-old Anderson she was supported and encouraged to speak to police.

Meanwhile, a second female, in her 20s, also found the fortitude to report that she had been raped by Anderson when a concerned GP put her in touch with the support group Wearside Women in Need.

Read more: Newcastle paedophile raped schoolgirl and subjected her to five years of abuse

The charity worked with the victim and helped her, in her own time, to also report the abuse to police.

Anderson, of Easington Lane, near Houghton-le-Spring, was charged with 12 offences, including six counts of rape against the two victims, in early 2021.

Denying the offences, the defendant took the decision to represent in himself in court, which delayed the trial.

It finally got underway at Newcastle Crown Court in October last year and ran for six weeks.

But at the outcome the jury saw through his lies and convicted him of all 12 offences, including two counts of sexual assault and one count each of blackmail and false imprisonment, in December last year.

He was remanded in prison but was back before Judge Julie Clemitson at the court on Monday (August 15), when he was sentenced to life imprisonment.

Judge Clemitson said he must serve at least 14 years and 43 days behind bars before being eligible for consideration for parole.

Read more: Man jailed for rape of girl, 12, at student house in North East

Speaking in the wake of his sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector Shelley Hudson, of Northumbria Police’s Safeguarding department, said: “Peter Anderson is a narcissistic bully who took pleasure in terrifying and even blackmailing his victims into silence.

“He believed they would never speak out but he underestimated their bravery and also underestimated the goodness of other people who were ready and waiting to support his victims and help them to see themselves as survivors.

“I am in awe of the survivors’ courage and composure and in awe of those who showed such care and compassion towards these women when they desperately needed a boost in their faith in humanity.”

She said: “My message for anyone reading this is that help is available.

“We, the police, are always here for you.

“We know it might feel scary to come forward but we will listen and support you in every way we can.

“If you don’t feel ready to speak to officers yet, there are so many people out there who want to help.”

She said other abuse victims should seek to speak to their GP, a guidance counsellor, a dedicated charity, or a trusted friend.

Det Chief Insp Hudson urged them: “Please do not suffer in silence, you deserve justice.”

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