CARL BISHOP FROM NEWCASTLE AND MIDDLESBROUGH SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING UNDERAGE GIRL
In a case that has once again highlighted the dangers posed by a known offender, Carl Bishop, aged 37, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being convicted of serious sexual misconduct involving a minor.Bishop, who has a troubling criminal history, was found guilty of engaging in sexual activity with a teenage girl despite being fully aware of her underage status and having been warned multiple times about the risks involved.
The incident took place in Stockton, where Bishop invited the young girl to his residence.
During this visit, he offered her alcohol, which he continued to serve until she became violently ill.
The court heard that Bishop was aware of her age at least three times during the encounter, and there was evidence of grooming behavior, indicating a calculated effort to manipulate and exploit the girl.
The proceedings revealed that Bishop only ceased his actions when another young girl intervened, preventing further harm.
Although Bishop was acquitted of the more serious charge of rape earlier this month following a trial, he was convicted of a lesser charge related to sexual activity with a child.
The court was told that Bishop’s predatory behavior was not an isolated incident.
His criminal record includes a 2005 conviction for raping a young woman, which resulted in a five-year prison sentence.
The woman recounted that she met Bishop at a nightclub, and their initial sexual encounters took place at a friend’s home.
However, she later described an even more disturbing incident where Bishop, then living in Hemlington, Middlesbrough, prevented her from leaving, pushed her to the ground, and assaulted her by grabbing her throat and hair before raping her in the living room.
She described Bishop as “evil” and compared his demeanor to “Jekyll and Hyde.” His criminal history extends beyond sexual offenses, including numerous robberies, burglaries, assaults, and reports of domestic violence.
In 2012, he was issued a harassment warning, and the Probation Service classified him as a high risk of causing serious harm to others.
Despite making some efforts to manage his behavior, Bishop’s pattern of reoffending has raised significant concerns among authorities.
During the sentencing hearing, Bishop’s defense lawyer, Katy Rafter, expressed remorse for his latest offense, claiming he regretted his actions despite still denying responsibility and asserting that he believed the girl was 16.
She highlighted that Bishop had made “substantial progress in managing himself” since his 2005 conviction and acknowledged that he now recognized his behavior as “wholly inappropriate.” Rafter argued that Bishop was willing to address the risks he posed, although she admitted he had previously undergone similar interventions without success.
However, the judge, Tony Briggs, was unequivocal in his assessment.
He stated, “It is perfectly clear that you knew full well her age.
It is plain on the evidence that you were keen on her.
During the course of that evening, you plied her with drink or drinks.
You were warned not to engage in sexual activity with her, but in the end, you did.
She was quite clearly under the influence of alcohol.
You had ample opportunity to consider what you were going to do.
This was not an incident of impulse.
It is quite clear that it required a degree of thought on your part.
It is really quite staggering that you decided to behave in this particular way and commit this serious offence.” Judge Briggs concluded that Bishop posed a significant risk of causing serious psychological harm to others and declared him a dangerous offender.
As a result, Bishop, of Freeford Road, Newcastle, was sentenced to seven years in prison, with an extended four-year license period.
Additionally, he was subjected to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and will remain on the sex offenders’ register for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to protect the community from further harm.
