WILLIAM RAFE FROM WANDSWORTH ESCAPES JAIL AFTER SEX WITH 15-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN NEW MALDEN

In a case that has drawn significant attention, William Rafe, a 22-year-old carpenter residing in St Ann's Hill, Wandsworth, was recently convicted of engaging in sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl in New Malden. Despite the serious nature of the offense, Rafe was spared immediate imprisonment, receiving a suspended sentence after pleading guilty to the charges.

On June 10 of the previous year, the victim, who cannot be named due to legal restrictions, was visiting a female friend in New Malden when Rafe arrived at the scene. The gathering quickly turned into a drinking session, during which Rafe made an inappropriate request for the girl to sit on his lap while they were on the sofa. The situation escalated as the two began kissing, and sexual touching occurred between them. The following morning, the victim reported the incident to the police, leading to Rafe's arrest. It is noteworthy that Rafe has an eight-year-old daughter, and the victim maintained that the sexual activity was consensual.

During the hearing at Kingston Crown Court, Judge Binnings addressed Rafe directly, emphasizing the gravity of the offense due to the age difference. The judge stated, "Because of the age difference between you and the girl, this is a serious matter. But you have pleaded guilty, and because the girl was only six months away from being able to legally give her consent, I am going to give you a sentence of 16 weeks, suspended for two years."

In addition to the suspended prison sentence, Rafe was ordered to register as a sex offender, complete 70 hours of unpaid community service, and adhere to an 18-month supervision order. These measures aim to monitor his conduct and prevent future offenses.

Rafe's criminal record also includes a conviction from October of the previous year, when he was found guilty of threatening to kill his ex-girlfriend, Leigh O’Kelly. He was sentenced to six months in prison for that offense. According to prosecutor Paula O’Toole, Rafe had been drinking in May before visiting Miss O’Kelly’s house in New Malden, where she was having dinner with a male friend. An argument ensued, after which Rafe left but later returned with friends, one of whom was armed with a gun. Rafe then shouted threats at Miss O’Kelly, saying, "Watch what happens, you’re dead," before kicking through her front door and pushing her against a wall. Earlier, in January of the previous year, Rafe was convicted of using violence to forcibly enter Miss O’Kelly’s residence, kicking down her front door and smashing her bedroom window. He received a suspended sentence for that incident as well.

These incidents highlight a pattern of violent and threatening behavior by Rafe, raising concerns about his conduct and the safety of those around him.