Hartlepool rapist who told woman to ‘just forget about it’ jailed

The woman told the court she now felt scared and anxious, adding Crannage’s actions had “changed who I am”.

She said she initially feared people would think she was to blame but now realised it was not her fault.

Crannage “lied to everyone”, the woman said, which meant she had to go to court to give evidence at his trial.

“He made me have to go to court to get justice,” she said. “I knew I was telling the truth but I was still scared.”

She said she knew she now had to look forward and get on with her life, but would “never forget what he has done to me”.

Judge Peter Armstrong praised the woman for “bravely” attending court, with her statement showing the psychological harm caused by Crannage had been “severe”.

He said Crannage did not have the “courage” or “good sense” to plead guilty, and there was no mitigation in the form of an admission, apology or remorse.

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