CRAIG WIGHT JAILED IN NEWCASTLE FOR REPEATED SEXUAL ABUSE OF YOUNG GIRL
A young girl was subjected to repeated rapes after her family pressured her to drop earlier, less serious allegations against her abuser.When the vulnerable child finally found the courage to report that she had been abused by Craig Wight, it initially seemed her ordeal might be coming to an end.
However, in an 'appalling' turn of events, members of her family persuaded her that it would be best to withdraw the complaint.
The girl complied, but months later Wight subjected her to a series of even more severe sexual attacks, including multiple rapes that caused her significant pain.
Craig Wight, a 43-year-old paedophile from Hadrian Court, Killingworth, North Tyneside, groomed his victim by telling her he loved her and exploiting her vulnerability.
He falsely spoke about how their relationship might develop when she turned 16, but in reality, he took advantage of her innocence and trust.
Judge Stephen Earl at Newcastle Crown Court described Wight’s actions as 'appalling' and 'abhorrent abuse,' condemning the nature of his misconduct.
In sentencing, Judge Earl highlighted that the victim was pressured into retracting her initial allegations, which were of a lesser nature than the subsequent abuses.
The judge stated: 'He repeatedly told her he loved her and he spoke about how the relationship could develop more when she got to 16.
He took advantage of her vulnerability.
This is not love; this is a form of control.' He added, 'You don't love someone when you are 40-odd and they are a child and you are...
raping them.' The judge praised the victim for her bravery in coming forward, saying: 'It's an amazing testament that she's got the courage to report these matters.
She has been failed by the adults in her life.
She has felt isolated, out of place, vulnerable, emotional—a child unable to cope.' Wight admitted to 18 sex offences, including three counts of rape.
The court heard that he raped her at least four or five times.
Judge Earl made it clear that Wight would serve at least two-thirds of his 15-year sentence and would be on the sex offenders register for life and subject to a sexual harm prevention order.
Addressing Wight directly, the judge stated: 'You had a clear warning when she made and retracted, through pressure, her first complaint.
I can only express horror for the way you have callously acted towards her.' Judge Earl concluded there was very little mitigation in Wight’s favour, emphasizing the severity and depravity of his crimes.
