A 45-year-old man who raped a teenage boy has been jailed for 14 years.

Steven Reece attacked the teenager in June 2018, Preston Crown Court heard today, July 21.

It was heard how he pushed and shoved him before sexually assaulting him and orally raping him.

Reece then threatened to ‘batter’ him and told him if he said anything, he would deny it.

After considering the forensic evidence recovered from Reece’s clothes and the victim’s account, the CPS authorised charges for Reece. Following a six day trial in April this year the jury found him guilty of rape and sexual assault.

Reece, of St Annes, was sentenced to 14 years in prison, notification requirements and an indefinite Sexual harm prevention order was made.

In an emotional Victim impact Statement, the victim said he had struggled sleeping, suffered flashbacks and suffers from anxiety on a daily basis since the incident.

Senior Crown Prosecutor Brett Gerrity of CPS North West said: “Throughout the case Steven Reece denied the offences he faced. It’s been a rocky path, with the victim feeling unable to give evidence at points, the CPS applied for the victim to give his evidence over a video link from another area in the court building so he wasn’t in the same room as the defendant, this assisted the victim to stand up to his abuser in court and give his evidence.

“I am very grateful to this brave young man, who’s evidence was crucial in securing this conviction. The impact of these offences cannot be overstated. He was young, alone and vulnerable, and Reece took full advantage of that. I hope that today’s sentence will bring a measure of comfort to him.”