DARLINGTON MAN WHO RAPED BOY WHEN HE WAS JUST A CHILD HIMSELF
A man from Darlington who was convicted of sexually abusing a young boy during his own childhood has narrowly escaped jail time.The defendant, now 21 and residing on Harringay Crescent, was convicted of four counts of rape after a trial held earlier this year at Teesside Crown Court.
During his sentencing at Durham Crown Court, it was revealed that the victim of Towers' abuse only felt able to come forward and disclose the incidents many years later.
Judge Aisha Wadoodi explained that she had to consider the defendant’s age at the time of the offenses, rather than his current age of 21.
She noted that her decision took into account not only his youth at the time but also the fact that there were no threats involved in the assaults.
The judge also referenced psychological reports on the defendant, describing him as generally of good character.
She sentenced him to two years in prison, suspended for two years, with conditions that include completing 250 hours of unpaid work and attending 30 rehabilitation sessions arranged by the Probation Service.
Additionally, he is required to register as a sex offender for the next ten years.