ANDREW RUTTER FROM REDCAR SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF CHILD

In August 2020, a disturbing case emerged from Redcar involving Andrew Rutter, a man who was convicted of heinous crimes against a young child. Rutter, aged 41 at the time, was found guilty of multiple sexual offences involving a victim under the age of 13. The court proceedings revealed a pattern of abuse that spanned over a brief but intense period, during which Rutter engaged in numerous acts of sexual violence against the child.

According to the details presented in Teesside Crown Court, Rutter committed these acts over a relatively short timeframe, with the prosecution stating that the abuse occurred on at least ten separate occasions within just two months. The court heard that Rutter not only performed sexual acts on the young victim but also encouraged the child to participate in sexual activities with him. Prosecutor Shaun Dodds outlined the severity of the case, emphasizing that Rutter had admitted to his actions during police interviews, which significantly impacted the proceedings.

During the police interview, Rutter confessed to engaging in sexual activity with the child, describing some of the acts in detail. Mr. Dodds read from sections of the police interview, quoting Rutter as saying, “He said they would kiss like an adult which would lead to other things.” This admission was crucial, especially since the victim’s mother refused to allow police to interview her child directly, forcing the prosecution to rely heavily on Rutter’s own confessions.

Despite the victim’s mother’s refusal, the court proceeded with the case based on Rutter’s admissions. The defendant acknowledged that he was aware his actions could land him in jail, yet he continued to commit these acts even after being warned of the potential consequences. Rutter’s guilty plea covered four separate charges: sexual assault on a child under 13, engaging in sexual activity with a child under 13, sexual assault involving penetration, and oral rape.

Judge Paul Watson QC, the Recorder of Middlesbrough, described Rutter’s conduct as ‘extraordinarily serious’ and sentenced him to eight years in prison. Additionally, Rutter was given a one-year extension on his licence following his release, to monitor his conduct and prevent further harm. The judge highlighted that the case was particularly disturbing because Rutter did not challenge the allegations made by the victim, and his admissions avoided the need for the victim to give formal evidence in court. This fact underscored the gravity of his guilt and the impact of his cooperation.

Furthermore, Rutter was subjected to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order, which aims to restrict his contact with children and prevent any future offences. The case from Redcar serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by individuals who commit such crimes and the importance of swift judicial action to protect vulnerable victims from further harm.