MAN JAILED FOR RAPE COMMITTED AS TEENAGER
2013.A man has been sentenced to four and a half years in prison for rape and two counts of indecent assault that he committed during his teenage years.
John Patrick Dobson, aged 25 and residing on Hoole Lane in Chester, denied the allegations, which were proven during an earlier trial.
The case was heard at Mold Crown Court, where it was revealed that the rape took place when Dobson was approximately 16 or 17 years old, and his victim was 13.
The court was informed that the incidents only recently came to light after the victim learned that Dobson's girlfriend was pregnant, raising concerns about the safety of his children.
Dobson, who is now a father to twins, was warned by the judge that if the offences had occurred after he reached adulthood, he could have received an eight-year sentence.
He was sentenced to four and a half years for the rape charge, with concurrent 18-month sentences for the indecent assaults.
Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for life.
The judge, Stephen Clarke, explained that no violence or threats had been used, noting that the victim had woken up to find Dobson engaged in sex with her on one occasion when she was a child.
After she told him to stop, he ceased and asked her to close her eyes.
The court also heard that at age 19, Dobson committed another indecent assault.
In sentencing, Judge Clarke emphasised that the offences were extremely serious, warranting imprisonment.
He acknowledged the impact imprisonment would have on Dobson, especially as his children were very young, but highlighted that the victims, aged between 11 and 13 at the time, had been affected by his actions.
The offences did not exhibit many of the usual aggravating features common in similar cases.
Dobson's family members were present in court to support him.
