Transgender woman jailed for raping teenager

TRANSGENDER WOMAN JAILED FOR RAPING TEENAGER

A 34-year-old transgender woman, formerly known as David Ayrton, has been sentenced to eight years in prison for the sexual assault of a 15-year-old girl in 2004.

The attack took place in a garage, and Ayrton was accused of raping the teenager.

Although Ayrton denied the allegations, a jury at Portsmouth Crown Court found her guilty.

Following the conviction, she was also ordered to be listed on the sex offenders register for life.

The incident involved Ayrton, who was living as a man at the time, assaulting the minor.

The court's ruling stipulates a lengthy prison sentence and lifelong registration, highlighting the gravity of the crime.

Judge Ian Pearson described the rape as "traumatic" and said the "scars and effects will never leave" the victim.

During the trial the court heard the victim screamed and shouted during the attack and told Ayrton to stop.

In a statement, she said: "As the years have passed, I have never forgotten the incident, how he forced himself on me, I was hysterical and I lived in fear all the time.

"I thought I was a real tough cookie but clearly I wasn't." The prosecution was brought after a care worker reported Ayrton had confessed to the crime and told them she felt like a "paedophile" who had "always known there was something wrong with me and I need help".

Ann-Marie Talbot, defending, said Ayrton was abused as a child and was sorry.

The defendant said she had not "made any physical changes or enhancements" to her body or taken any medication.

She changed her name in 2012.