REECE SENIOR SENTENCED IN GATESHEAD FOR PREDATORY SEXUAL OFFENCES IN NEWCASTLE

Reece Senior, a 28-year-old resident of Wallace Gardens, Springwell, Gateshead, has been sentenced to seven years in prison after being convicted of serious sexual offences in Newcastle. The court heard that Senior first followed a lone female student through city centre streets at around 4am, acting in an ominous and predatory manner. He attempted to forcibly drag her down an alleyway, causing her to scream for help and call her boyfriend, urging him to hurry as Senior appeared intent on rape. Despite her pleas and struggles, Senior pushed her violently to the ground. The woman’s call to her boyfriend was overheard by a witness, and she sustained bruises and soreness to her hand, arm, back, and buttock—injuries that still caused her pain eight months later. The court acknowledged the lasting psychological trauma she experienced, including fears of men, anxiety, panic attacks, and difficulties in her daily life, university studies, and relationships.

After being bailed for this incident, Senior went on to commit an equally shocking assault on an 11-year-old girl on her way to school. CCTV evidence showed him changing course, heading toward an alley near the girl, whistling to attract her attention, and cornering her alone. The judge described her as vulnerable due to her age. Senior pushed her against a wall, used violence against her, and squeezed her breast before touching her over her school clothing. He attempted to drag her by her sleeve, but she managed to run away. The young girl later told police she was "shocked and scared". Prosecutor Dan Cordey highlighted her vulnerability, stating, "Given her age, she was vulnerable."

Senior's criminal history includes a previous conviction for a sexual assault against a child in 2011. Pre-sentence reports classified him as posing a high risk of harm to both children and adults. Judge Edward BindLOSS described Senior's conduct as demonstrating "predatory sexual behaviour in relation to both offences" and noted that he showed no remorse or understanding for his victims. Senior was convicted of false imprisonment, attempting to commit a sexual offence, and sexual assault. He was ordered to serve two-thirds of his seven-year sentence and will be on licence for an additional five years. Additionally, he must register as a sex offender for life and adhere to a sexual harm prevention order for life. The judge told Senior, "You acted in a predatory, ominous way," and emphasized that the student walking alone that night was vulnerable and followed in a manner indicating intent to commit a serious sexual offence.

Senior maintains his innocence and claims he had no sexual motive, stating through his defense that he "clearly doesn't accept that for which he is convicted." The court also noted he has ADHD, learning difficulties, and was using heroin at the time of the offences. The judge concluded that his behaviour indicated a high risk of future harm, resulting in his lifelong registration as a sex offender and restrictions to prevent further offences.