Andrew Mackay, a 64-year-old man from High Spen, Gateshead, was sentenced to 14 years in prison for raping a 13-year-old child.

Newcastle Crown Court heard that Mackay manipulated the victim into consuming excessive amounts of alcohol, causing them to pass out. He then proceeded to sexually assault them. The victim stated they attempted suicide following the assault and expressed that they would "never forgive" Mackay.

Mackay initially denied any wrongdoing but was found guilty of two counts of rape and sexual assault by the court. Judge Sarah Mallett emphasized that Mackay had been "grooming" the child with alcohol, rendering them unable to fully recall the events of the rape due to intoxication.

In a victim impact statement read aloud in court, the child described feeling sick at the thought of the abuse and experiencing daily reliving of the trauma. They expressed how Mackay had destroyed their "normal" teenage life, stating they would never be able to cherish their teenage years as most others do.

Mackay, residing at Bute Drive, is required to register as a sex offender for life and is subject to a sexual harm prevention order.