MICHAEL NEWSON FROM COSTESSY SENTENCED FOR CHILD RAPE IN NORWICH

In December 2014, a disturbing case involving a foster carer from Costessey, Norfolk, came to light when Michael Stephen Newson, aged 32, admitted to heinous acts of sexual abuse against a young girl under his care.

Newson, who worked as a recovery driver, was found to have committed the crimes over a span of five months, during which he raped the girl on two separate occasions. The victim was between the ages of twelve and thirteen at the time of the assaults.

The gravity of his actions was acknowledged in court when Newson confessed to the charges, leading to his conviction on two counts of raping a child under 13. The case was heard at the Crown Court in Norwich, where on December 19th, 2014, he was sentenced to nine years in prison. The sentence was to run concurrently, and he was also ordered to sign the sex offenders register indefinitely, marking a severe legal response to his crimes.

The young girl, now reflecting on her ordeal, revealed that she suffers from severe nightmares and depression as a direct consequence of the abuse inflicted by Newson. She expressed her ongoing struggles with trust, explaining how difficult it has become for her to believe in the sincerity of others after her traumatic experience.

In an emotional account, she shared that her decision to come forward was influenced by a storyline about child sexual abuse she watched on the popular TV show Eastenders. Her courage in speaking out highlights the importance of awareness and support for victims of such heinous crimes.