Teenager’s nightmares over attack by predator
JAIL FOR ‘IMMATURE’ RAPIST WHO PREYED ON VICTIM AS SHE SLEPT
A PREDATOR who raped a teenager while she slept has been jailed.
Joshua Robson preyed on his 18-year-old victim, who now experiences horrifying nightmares and flashbacks since the sick attack in October 2018.
And the vile offender even pretended to be asleep himself when the woman woke up in pain.
On Friday, Teesside Crown Court heard how she realised what had happened and reported it to police immediately.
An investigation was launched and Robson, of Esher Place, Cramlington, was arrested and charged with rape.
He initially denied the allegation but a jury at an earlier hearing at Newcastle Crown Court saw through his lies and the 23-yearold was found guilty of one count of rape last month.
In a victim impact statement, the woman told of how the attack has changed her view of the world.
She said: “This has affected me severely and changed my perspective on life.
“I would have described myself as naive before this happened, but now my head has been opened to the big bad world and I don’t trust anyone.
“At times I would drink alcohol to block out the memories of that night as sometimes I would have nightmares and flashbacks of waking up in pain with Josh raping me.
“This would make me feel dirty and I would want to shower all the time.”
Kate Barnes, defending, told the court Robson had no previous convictions and that he hoped his time in prison would help him mature.
“He is a young man, he is not without ability,” she said. “He is described as intelligent. “I hope your honour will make the sentence as short as possible. He needs to be punished, but not perhaps crushed given the age he is.” Recorder Craig Hassall QC sentenced Robson to five-anda-half years in prison, of which he will serve half behind bars before being released on licence.
He told him: “The verdict of the jury demonstrates they were sure you intentionally had sexual intercourse with the victim without her consent and without any reasonable belief in her consent.
“I cannot identify that any remorse has been demonstrated because you continued to deny the offence.
“The author of the pre-sentence report considers that immaturity played a significant role in your offending.
“Having observed you give evidence in the trial I respectfully agree with her professional judgment on that point.”
Robson was made subject to a restraining order which will run until further notice.
He was also ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register indefinitely and will pay a victim surcharge.
I would have described myself as naive before, but now my head has been opened to the big bad world Robson’s victim