August 2012 Dad-to-be convicted of raping girl 16 years ago A 36-year-old man who is about to become a father has been convicted of raping a 14-year-old girl while he was living in lodgings in Hereford more than 16 years ago. Kevin Pontin, of Ravenshill, Lusley, Knightwick, Worcester, was found guilty at Worcester Crown Court after a three-day trial. Prosecutor Sally Hancox said the girl had been drinking strong cider with a friend in 1996 and when they met Pontin, he invited them back to his bedsit in Belmont Avenue. When the friend went to lie down on a bed, Pontin said there was more drink in the kitchen. But he took her to the bathroom and had sex after threatening to hit her if she screamed. When he let her go, she and her friend left. They went back to her friend’s mother’s house and called the police. She just told them she had been grabbed by a man in the street. She told her uncle that she had been raped, but it was six months before she confessed to her mother. She eventually made the rape allegation in 2010 and picked out Pontin in an identity procedure. Pontin had been in Hereford in September 1996 after moving from Worcester to work on a farm. He said he did not know the girl and had not had sexual relations with anyone while in Hereford. Adam Western, defending, said the girl had not made the allegation to her mother straight away because she thought she might be in trouble for drinking. The first time Pontin was questioned about the matter was in February last year. Pontin was warned by Recorder Denis Desmond that he faced a lengthy prison sentence but was allowed bail because his partner was due to give birth in three weeks’ time. Pontin must observe a 7pm to 7am curfew and be available for doorstep checks. The recorder said he was concerned that Pontin might decide not to attend the sentencing hearing. But Mr Western said his only means of travel was a cycle and he could not go far. Sentencing will be later this month.