BREAKING: Convicted North East rapist on the run after failing to attend court

A convicted North East rapist remains on the run weeks after being sentenced to 10 years in prison — as his victim condemns “systemic failings” in the justice system.

David Morrison, 44, was found guilty of rape and sexual assault in August but was allowed bail to “put his affairs in order” before sentencing. He then failed to attend court on 6 October, and despite an arrest warrant being issued, has still not been found.

At Teesside Crown Court, Morrison was sentenced in his absence to 10 years in prison after a jury heard he raped and assaulted his victim in a hotel room. The woman — who cannot be named for legal reasons — said he has “never been held accountable” and accused authorities of allowing him to “escape justice.”

“They might as well have driven him to the airport,” she told Teesside Live, criticising the decision to grant him bail after conviction and the lack of passport alerts or restrictions.

Cleveland Police confirmed they are actively searching for Morrison, while the Crown Prosecution Service said he had been on unconditional bail since May 2023 and that a warrant was issued once he failed to attend sentencing.

The victim described the delays, lack of sensitivity from officers, and court decisions as “an insult to every victim who comes forward.”

Cleveland Police apologised for “unacceptable delays” and said improvements under Operation Soteria have strengthened the force’s response to rape investigations.

Morrison, from Wilton Castle Lane, was also made subject to an indefinite restraining order and will be required to register as a sex offender when caught.