'Near sadistic' South Shields double child rapist who 'does not believe he is a paedophile' jailed

Karl Young raped a girl at a flat in South Shields, while she "cried and she cried and she cried" before she managed to escape and contact her family.

Newcastle Crown Court heard when she was picked up from the street by a relative she was "sobbing uncontrollably" but bravely reported her ordeal to the police, despite Young warning her not to tell anyone.

In a victim impact statement, the courageous girl said: "After he raped me I just wanted him dead."

The relative who collected her said the victim was "terrified and upset" after being attacked and added: "I can't believe someone could be so cruel and disgusting."

Young, 33, of St. Marks Way, South Shields, who has never been in trouble before, eventually admitted he had attacked the girl and also confessed to raping another child victim.

He pleaded guilty to four counts of rape, two counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, sexual assault, engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child and assault by penetration.

Mr Recorder Nicholas Lumley KC jailed him for 25 years and six months with an extended licence period of a further year. He will have to sign the sex offenders register for life and be subject to a sexual harm prevention order and a restraining order.

Recorder Lumley said despite pleading guilty, Young had continued to give a "self-pitying" account to the probation service, instead of accepting what he had done was "grotesque" and that he was a paedophile.

The recorder praised the courage of the victims and said: "They are each to be commended for their strength in the face of your near-sadistic behaviour."

Jane Foley, defending Young, said: "During this time he had become an isolated figure, at least that's what he would say."

Miss Foley said Young has a number of physical and mental health problems and was "lonely" at the time.