Richard Park, a Northumbria Paedophile who lured and subsequently raped a teenage girl, has been incarcerated following his victim’s courageous report to the police of the trauma inflicted upon her by her assailant.
Richard Park, 45, had been communicating with the 15-year-old girl through social media prior to their meeting in January 2020.
While in his vehicle in the North Tyneside region, he compelled the adolescent to engage in a sexual act with him.
The victim subsequently notified the police about the incident, prompting a comprehensive investigation during which she provided detectives with other messages received by Park. Subsequent to his apprehension, Richard Park refuted any physical interaction with the victim.
Richard Park was however subsequently charged with rape of a female under 16, engaging in sexual communications with a child and child grooming. Richard Park, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to engaging in sexual communication with a child and child grooming, but not guilty to the rape charge – which he was convicted of following a trial at Newcastle Crown Court.
At the same court on Wednesday, May 10, he was sentenced to a total of nine years in prison.
Richard Park was also made subject of a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and will be on the Sex Offenders’ Register for the next decade.
Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Karen Douglas, of Northumbria Police, said: “Richard Park’s victim showed immense courage in coming forward to report the abuse he had put her through and we hope that his conviction helps to provide a degree of closure, enabling her to move on with her life.
“We are grateful for her and her family’s continued co-operation throughout the investigation, which has helped to put a manipulative and predatory paedophile behind bars.”
Det Con Douglas added: “Richard Park knew his victim was underage and yet still he chose to pursue a sexual relationship with her, that is abhorrent. Not only did he groom and rape his victim, but he also then put her through the ordeal of a trial when he pleaded not guilty to the rape offence.
“Thankfully the jury saw through his lies and he is now rightfully beginning a lengthy term behind bars.”
Anyone who has been a victim of rape, sexual assault or abuse is asked to contact police. It is never too late to do so. Visit the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of Northumbria Police’s website or call 101. Always call 999 in an emergency.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.