Troubled Accrington rapist spared custody (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Troubled Accrington rapist spared custody

10:00pm Tuesday 28th April 2009 in

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A TROUBLED Accrington teenager who raped two girls and a boy after he claimed he heard voices in his head has been spared custody.

Burnley Crown Court heard how the "very damaged " and "emotionally immature" defendant, now 16, had sex repeatedly with one girl when she was nine after sending her pestering text messages. He also had sex several times with a young boy and once with a 13-year-old girl The 16-year-old, said to have suffered dreadful treatment in his “sad” life, was told by Judge Beverley Lunt, who had read reports from medics and the Youth Offending Team: "I am not going to send you to prison."

The defendant had earlier admitted a total of 10 charges of rape of a child and assault by penetration. He was given a two year supervision order and a six month curfew between 9pm and 7am, He was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders' Register for two and a half years.

Judge Lunt told the defendant: "You know what you have done is very, very wrong. You could have caused serious long term physical or psychological harm to these people. They were young. So are you."

The judge said the 16-year-old was described by experts as damaged and very immature and professionals reported he would not be a danger to the public if he was given the right guidance. Judge Lunt added custody would make the teenager more vulnerable and a victim.

Hugh Barton, prosecuting, told the court the offences came to light last September. The girl he raped repeatedly said she had been pinned down by the defendant who had committed a sex act on her.

The 16 year old admitted having full sex with her and also once with the other girl. He also admitted having sex with the boy.

Police were called and the victims were interviewed.

Mr Barton said the one girl told police she had not wanted to have intercourse with the 16 year old, but had gone along with it.

The prosecutor said the defendant was interviewed twice and made no comment. He was later questioned again and claimed it had been little more than sexual experimentation and said all parties had been willing.

Mr Barton said the defendant claimed voices in his head told him to “go for it”. He said part of him had been saying "get off," and the other part had been saying "no". The 16 year old had no previous convictions.

Keith Harrison, for the boy, said he could have no complaint if he was sent to custody. But, he told the court: “Rarely has there been such a case where in the face of such offending, so many professional people make such strong a plea for a supervision order."

Mr Harrison said there had been no gratuituous violence. Custody would do the defendant more harm than good. He was contrite and remorseful.