Carl Gilchrist 37

Description

Recently jailed again for breaking parole.

A TEENAGE rapist who abused a younger boy has been brought to justice as an adult, years after his crimes.

But Carl Gilchrist escaped harsher punishment at Teesside Crown Court because of his youth at the time.

He was a teenager when he raped and abused a boy several years younger.

Now 24, he was sentenced for his sex offending yesterday.

Gilchrist, of Walton Court, Stockton, denied all charges, putting the victim through a trial last month.

A jury unanimously found him guilty of five charges - two of rape, three of indecency with a child - his first convictions.

The court heard how he repeatedly raped and forced the boy to carry out sexual acts over a lengthy period of time.

The judge, Recorder Ben Nolan QC, told Gilchrist if he had been an adult when he committed the crimes, his prison term would reach double figures.

As it is, I have to sentence you as though you were still a boy, he said. For that reason, I very considerably discount the sentence that would be imposed upon an older offender.

He added: The victim was a very young boy when these acts were done to him. These acts had very profound effects on him.

There was some evidence of intimidation on your part in the way in which you committed these crimes.

Prosecutor Paul Cleasby said Gilchrist had no previous convictions though he had a caution for assault by way of kissing.

Gilchrist had references from relatives and family friends.

Adrian Dent, defending, said at the time Gilchrist was a confused, immature person, struggling with his own sexuality.

He said: His youth at that time probably took a significant part in his offending. What he did was a significant part of his growing up process which must have been very difficult for him. He added: Theres never been any suggestion of further offending.

He said there were no overt threats or intimidation, just reported black looks.

Gilchrist was still coming to terms with the jurys decisions, against which he will not appeal, and the daunting prospect of a prison sentence.

The judge jailed Gilchrist for five and a half years, gave him an indefinite sexual offences prevention and banned him from working with children. He will be on the sex offenders register for life.

Detective Constable Fran Donovan, from Cleveland Police, said after the case: I am very pleased with the sentence.

Both the victim and his family have shown great courage and strength during the trial which must have been extremely traumatic for them and I would like to commend them for this.

I hope todays sentencing will go at least some way to helping the victim feel justice has been done.