Locations
Cross Parade, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE4
Description
A 15-year-old girl was raped by a stranger who offered to charge her phone for her.
The horrific attack happened just two days before the teen started her GCSE exams.
Warren Richardson, 19, was jailed for almost five years at Newcastle Crown Court last week after pleading guilty to rape. After his conviction the victim's mum has revealed the devastating impact the attack has had on her daughter's life.
The mum, who cannot be named to protect her daughter's identity, said: "It's had a massive impact on her. It's every parent's worst nightmare," reports Chronicle Live.
The attack happened on May 21 last year. The victim was in Newcastle City Centre after going to a birthday party in Jesmond when she realised her phone was dead, her mum said.
Richardson, who was 17 at the time, started talking to her. They went to a nearby fast food restaurant to ask to borrow a charger. But when this was unsuccessful Richardson offered to charge the victim's phone at his home, where he raped her.
When the teenager did not return home her mum called the police to report her missing.
"It's not her to not come home., and it wasn't like her not to answer," he mum said. Then the next morning she came back and told her sister what had happened.
Richardson, of Cross Parade in Elswick, Newcastle, pleaded guilty to rape in July. Last week he was sentenced to four years and 10 months in prison. He was also made subject to an indefinite restraining order and a 10 year Sexual Harm Prevention Order. Richardson must also sign onto the Sex Offenders' Register for life.
Det Cons David Ostle, who led the investigation for Northumbria Police, has praised the victim's bravery
He said: “This was an absolutely appalling offence and I am pleased that Warren Richardson has been convicted at court.
“This outcome would not have been possible without the amazing bravery of the victim, who along with her family have shown huge support and cooperation throughout this investigation.
“I sincerely hope that this outcome offers them some comfort, seeing Richardson behind bars as a result of his despicable actions. I also hope that the victim’s bravery can give others the confidence to come forward and speak to police."
However, the victim's mum said it would take her a long time to get over what happened.
"These should be the best years of her life. She should be enjoying herself and she's not," she said. "She just doesn't want him to do this to anyone else. That's why she went all the way with it."