Overview

• A jury at Newcastle Crown Court found the 33-year-old guilty of rape in March after a six-day trial.
• The victim, who had a history of mental health struggles and recent self-harm, woke to Callaghan assaulting her and reported him immediately, leading to his prompt arrest.
• Weeks after the attack, the victim took her own life when her family unknowingly walked past Callaghan’s South Shields home.
• Her family said she left a note making clear the rape was a foremost factor in her decision and described themselves as serving a “life sentence” of grief.
• Detective Constable Amy Burridge praised the victim’s bravery and stressed Northumbria Police will monitor Callaghan for life under the sex offenders register.