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Durham rapist found guilty of rape following six-day re-trial
Reece Wood was found guilty of the offence, which was said to have been committed in County Durham, in 2022, on the sixth day of the hearing, on Monday (February 9).
The 30-year-old defendant of Galt Street, Thornley, County Durham, denied the charge at a plea hearing in April 2024.
His original trial took place at the court in October 2024, but the jury failed to reach a verdict and was discharged.
Defendant Reece Wood was convicted of rape after a retrial at Durham Crown Court ended on Monday (February 9) (Image: The Northern Echo)
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Weeks later, the Crown confirmed it would be seeking a re-trial, with the start date agreed for February 2 this year.
Following Monday’s guilty verdict, the trial judge, Judge Richard Bennett, adjourned the sentencing hearing for five weeks to allow for preparation of a background Probation Service report on the defendant.
Judge Bennett remanded Wood in custody to appear at the sentencing hearing at Teesside Crown Court, where he will then be sitting, on Monday March 16.