Locations
Brunswick Street, Exeter, EX4 1BR
Description
A 26-year-old Exeter man has been jailed for raping a 12-year-old boy. Christopher Houghton committed multiple sex assaults on the child and tried to buy his silence by offering gifts.
He also took indecent photos of his victim and shared them with another paedophile. The boy told his parents about what had happened and Houghton was arrested.
The defendant, of Brunswick Street, pleaded guilty to two charges of sexual assault against a child under 13, four charges of raping a child, and one each of making and distributing indecent images. He was jailed for eight years.
Mr Rupert Taylor, defending, said Houghton had not tried to lie about his behaviour and has shown remorse. He has been diagnosed on the autistic spectrum with learning difficulties. He is a man of previous good character. Exeter Crown Court was told the abuse had led to the boy suffering mental health issues.
Judge Anna Richardson said the defendant was only 23 at the time and barely had an adult brain. References said he was a 'kind and thoughtful' man and he has been behaving well in custody since his arrest and addressing his behaviour by attending courses.
The defendant must serve two thirds of his sentence in prison before he can be considered for release.