MAN WHO RAPED TEEN JAILED FOR SIX YEARS
A man who raped a teenage girl claimed he had been "dreaming" about his former girlfriend when the attack happened.Aaron Burton, aged 24, was staying in Great Yarmouth and was watching a movie on his mobile device when he attacked the 14-year-old girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons.
During the hearing at Norwich Crown Court, it was revealed that the girl fell asleep but woke up to find herself being sexually assaulted.
Prosecutor Lori Tucker stated that the girl asked Burton to stop, but he persisted with the assault, pulling down her trousers and raping her.
Mrs.
Tucker described Burton as being "out of it" as the girl told him to cease, but he continued the attack.
The incident took place on February 11, 2020.
After being contacted by police, the victim, who did not submit a victim impact statement, expressed feelings of anger and sadness over the incident.
Burton told police he was unaware of what had happened and claimed he had "woken up dreaming of my ex".
He, of Apsley Road, Yarmouth, appeared in court on May 18 for sentencing, having previously admitted to charges of rape, sexual assault, assault by penetration, and causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent.
Judge Maureen Bacon described the offences as "serious" and emphasized that Burton had "taken advantage" of a young girl while understanding the gravity of his actions.
He was sentenced to six and a half years in prison.
The judge also noted that Burton had taken responsibility for his conduct.
Defence lawyer Edward Renvoize highlighted that Burton had no prior record of sexual offending and rarely committed such crimes out of the blue.
He stated that Burton was genuinely remorseful and expressed regret for his actions.
Additionally, Burton was ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life.
