MANCHESTER MAN JAILED FOR GROOMING AND SEXUAL ASSAULT OF TEEN
Reece Austick, aged 21 at the time, was found guilty of serious sexual crimes involving a 14-year-old girl who was particularly vulnerable.The girl connected with Austick through Facebook via mutual acquaintances and traveled alone to Manchester to meet him.
At his flat, Austick supplied her with alcohol and cocaine, exploiting her vulnerable state.
Court records revealed that he later sexually assaulted and raped her.
During the trial at Manchester Crown Court, it was disclosed that Austick initially lied about his age, claiming to be 15 then 17, but he was actually 21.
The court learned that she had traveled to Manchester to see him, and upon arrival, he took her to his home where a friend was present.
Austick coerced her into using more drugs and shared a bed with her.
The next morning, she woke up to him slapping her and demanding, “suck my d***,” before sexually abusing her again.
She stayed at the property for several days until police were involved following a missing persons report.
During the investigation, Austick was detained and eventually admitted to one count of rape and one count of engaging in sexual activity with a minor.
The court was told of his troubled background, with 31 previous offenses on his record.
He was sentenced to a prison term of seven years and two months.
Judge Patrick Field KC commented, “You connected with her on Facebook through a mutual contact.
It’s not suggested that there was anything suspicious at first, but the situation quickly became sinister.
She was given alcohol and cocaine, and her young vulnerability was selfishly exploited without regard for her well-being.
The significant age gap was clearly relevant.” Detective Sergeant James Walsh from GMP’s Criminal Investigation Department expressed satisfaction with the verdict, stating, “He is a dangerous individual who deliberately targeted a child and inflicted horrific abuse.
I welcome his lengthy sentence.
The case was complex and took time to resolve, and I thank the victim for her bravery, patience, and persistence.”
